The Government of Kenya has pledged to bolster national security with the introduction of the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025.
This new legislation aims to regulate the import, export, transit, and use of goods and technologies that could potentially be diverted to produce weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The Bill is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s role in global security efforts and fulfilling international obligations.
The Bill was presented by Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, who represented Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at a high-level forum held in Naivasha.
The forum was convened by the Senate Standing Committees and brought together key stakeholders, including Senators, senior government officials, representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and international partners such as the United States Embassy in Nairobi.
In his address, Dr. Omollo emphasized that the Bill is the culmination of over a decade of collaboration between national and international entities. “This Bill is not just a regulatory tool but a national security imperative,” he stated, highlighting the need to mitigate threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.
The proposed legislation outlines a stringent licensing system for handling strategic and dual-use goods, aiming to prevent the trafficking of sensitive materials through Kenya’s borders and digital spaces.
Dr. Omollo referred to past incidents like the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing and the 2012 Moi Avenue explosion as sobering reminders of the urgency of securing Kenya’s borders from the misuse of dangerous materials.
The Bill also targets the growing challenge posed by dual-use technologies, including software and technical data that could aid in WMD development. “Our legal framework must evolve with emerging security threats,” said Dr. Omollo. “This legislation ensures that we stay ahead of potential dangers, particularly in the digital age.”
The Strategic Goods Control Bill aims to harmonize Kenya’s national security laws with key international treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, and UN Security Council Resolution 1540.
The Bill proposes enhanced regulation of brokers and intermediaries, including those operating digitally, and introduces strong penalties for violations.
Kenya’s strategic location as a regional trade and transit hub makes the Bill a critical piece of legislation for both national and regional security.
Dr. Omollo pointed out that the enactment of the Bill would not only enhance security but also foster investor confidence, positioning Kenya as a continental leader in strategic trade controls alongside South Africa and Morocco.
James Keter, Director General of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), echoed the sentiments, noting that the Bill will provide a robust legal framework to oversee the lifecycle of strategic goods—from manufacturing to export. “This is a proactive step toward ensuring Kenya remains in compliance with international security protocols,” Keter said.
Senator Fatuma Dullo, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, voiced strong support for the Bill. She emphasized the need for clear timelines and coordinated implementation strategies to ensure its success. Senator Dullo also called for deeper public participation, particularly in Northern Kenya, where communities face increased vulnerability to cross-border security threats.
Other notable attendees included Senators Allan Chesang, Jackson Mandago, and Boy Juma, who are heads of Senate committees on ICT, Health, and Trade, respectively. Also present was Ms. Carla Benini, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
