Kenya and Italy have formalised a new security partnership after signing a Letter of Intent aimed at strengthening cooperation in the prevention and fight against crime.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, July 2, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during a bilateral meeting attended by senior officials from both countries.
The Kenyan delegation included Interior Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo and Belio Kipsang.
Kenya, Italy security deal singing. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the Letter of Intent reflects the two countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration on security matters and enhancing joint efforts to address emerging and evolving security threats.
The ministry noted that the agreement also builds on lessons and best practices identified during a recent benchmarking mission to Italy by Kenyan officials.
In June, PS Omollo led a delegation to Rome to study the operations of the Italian Police Service as part of preparations for the planned establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
During the visit, the Kenyan team engaged with the leadership of several Italian security agencies, including the State Police, Carabinieri, Financial Guard, and Penitentiary Police, to examine Italy’s approach to urban policing and public safety.
The delegation also explored areas such as metropolitan policing, multi-agency coordination, public order management, counter-terrorism, organised crime prevention, financial investigations, migration management, cybercrime response, and security planning for major public events.
The Interior Ministry said the engagement provided valuable insights into intelligence-led policing, protection of critical infrastructure, community policing, dismantling organised criminal networks, and improving preparedness to respond to emerging security threats.
The signing of the Letter of Intent is expected to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Italy as both countries seek to enhance security capabilities and expand collaboration in tackling transnational crime.
