Kenya fights contraband in war against funding of terrorism activities

The government has intensified the war against contraband and smuggling of goods as part of a comprehensive strategy in countering the financing of terrorist activities.

Speaking during a high-level security meeting at the Government Guest House in Garissa, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the vice is hurting businesses in the country.

“This is not trade. It is fuelling deaths of Kenyans. Those who engage in it are Al-Shabaab’s foremost supporters and funders and will be handled like the terrorists,” he said.

Dr Matiang’i said the government will launch a security operation and enhance surveillance along Kenya’s borders to stop and deter the flow of illicit goods, services, and immigrants into the country.

The CS said that the multi-agency team will provide weekly updates to him for the necessary action and responses.

Dr Matiang’i warned that any government official found engaging in illicit trade will face severe disciplinary action.

“Any officer, either in the national or county governments, found tolerating or abetting cross-border smuggling of counterfeits will be held personally accountable,” he said.

During this year’s National Security Review and Planning Conference in Mombasa, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed all security formations in the country to suppress all means by which Al-Shabaab militants are generating or receiving funds through Kenya, notably from illicit trade.

The government has already begun the progressive deployment of equipment and concurrent facilitation of training and education for the Border Patrol Unit of the Administration Police Service to increase collection of information and intelligence on criminal networks and complex smuggling rings.

Dr Matiang’i also restated the President’s directive on the implementation of the country’s counter-violent extremism initiatives.

Source: Nation