Today, 25th March 2026, the Inspector General of Police, Mr.Douglas Kanja, attended a High-Level Dialogue on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management and Control, convened by the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) in Nairobi.
The dialogue culminated in the launch of the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, marking a significant milestone by providing the first comprehensive assessment over a 20-year period (2005–2025).
The forum brought together senior government officials, police chiefs, development partners, and representatives from international and regional organisations to reflect on progress made over the past two decades and to chart the way forward in combating the proliferation of illicit arms.
Speaking during the event, the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration, Dr.Raymond Omollo, described the forum as both a reflection of the region’s journey and a guide for the road ahead.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening legislative frameworks, advancing arms marking and record-keeping systems, enhancing information exchange, and addressing emerging technologies in SALW control.
Dr.Omollo commended partner states, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and the United Kingdom Government for their support, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to RECSA’s mandate and to the development of a balanced, evidence-based approach.
He further underscored the critical role of international cooperation and called for strengthened partnerships in implementing the report’s recommendations.
Moreover, Dr.Omollo congratulated the Inspector General of Police of Rwanda, Commissioner General Felix Namurahonye, on his appointment as the Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, terming it an opportunity to steer the technical team for the next two years.
Speaking during the same forum, the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr.Douglas Kanja, reaffirmed the NPS’s commitment to the full implementation of the Nairobi Protocol and to strengthened regional cooperation in addressing the threat posed by illicit small arms.
He noted that the assessment report serves as a critical “collective report card”, showcasing achievements such as arms marking, electronic record-keeping, and improved accountability for state-owned weapons, while also guiding future interventions.
Additionally, IG Kanja joined the PS for Interior in commending the head of the Rwanda National Police on his appointment as the Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee.
Also in attendance were the Director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr.Adamson Bungei, SAIG; RECSA Regional Centres’ Director of Administration and Finance, Ms.Eunice Dobby, AIG; and Mr.Joseph Muriuki, CP, from RECSA, among other senior officers.
