Kenya and Italy have signed a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening cooperation in the prevention and combating of both domestic and transnational crime, marking a new milestone in the growing security partnership between the two countries.
The deal was signed today on Thursday by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
Speaking in Nairobi, Murkomen said the pertnership will allow closer cooperation between the two countries in tackling new security challenges and strengthening response to organised crime.
“We have today signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Italy in preventing and combating crime, marking another step in the growing security partnership between our two friendly nations.” said Murkomen
He pointed out that the new agreement was an extension of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Italian Carabineri and the National Police Service targeting capacity building through training and professionalization of security forces.
According CS Murkomen, the latest milestone comes as the government moves to establish the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Service Unit as part of its efforts to enhance safety and security for Nairobi and environs.
The government said the increased cooperation is set to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations in combating cross, border crime while strengthening bilateral ties.
The signing of the agreement was presided over by Vincenzo Del Monaco, Italian Minister for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, Kenyan Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Belio Kipsang among other senior government officials from Kenya and Italy.