Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has opened the 5th INTERPOL African Committee Meeting in Nairobi, bringing together delegates from across Africa to discuss regional security challenges and strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crime.
The meeting, held at the Holiday Inn in Nairobi, is expected to review progress on previous recommendations and establish priorities for future collaboration among African law enforcement agencies.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kanja reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional security through joint operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building.
He said the growing cross-border nature of criminal networks required countries to strengthen partnerships, exchange information and coordinate operations to address common security threats.
Kanja expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to tackle complex security challenges through stronger institutional partnerships and regional ownership of security initiatives.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, who also represents Africa on the INTERPOL Executive Committee, highlighted the importance of coordinated operations in disrupting transnational criminal networks.
Amin cited Operation Serengeti as an example of the value of intelligence sharing and joint action in tackling crimes that extend beyond national borders.
He identified terrorism, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade and illegal mining among the threats requiring a coordinated regional response through INTERPOL.
The meeting will also assess the implementation of previous recommendations and prepare for the 28th African Regional Conference scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, next year.
Among the officials attending were INTERPOL Executive Committee Vice President for Africa Mohamed Dkhissi, African Committee Chairperson Ibrahim Amr and Head of the INTERPOL Regional Bureau for Eastern Africa Africa Apollo.
Other participants included Assistant Director for Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia and the South Pacific at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat Immanuel Sam, as well as senior National Police Service officers.
Kenya was also represented by National Criminal Investigations Academy Commandant Ibrahim Jillo, National Central Bureau Kenya head Mueni Mutisya and NPS Director of Corporate Communication and spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
