Kenya and Italy have agreed to deepen cooperation in the fight against crime, including transnational organised criminal networks, as the two countries move to strengthen security ties.
The agreement was formalised on Friday through a letter of intent signed by Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
In a joint statement issued after the signing, the two governments said the pact would reinforce the growing security partnership between Nairobi and Rome.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two interior ministries and their law enforcement agencies in tackling crime, including cross-border organised crime.
Both sides said the signing marks an important step toward a broader security agreement between Kenya and Italy.
Under the arrangement, Kenya and Italy will appoint contact points to support planning, coordination and information-sharing on strategic cooperation initiatives at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The two governments said crime poses a serious threat to public order, safety and citizens’ well-being, adding that stronger international cooperation is needed to confront increasingly complex security threats.
The pact comes as Kenya continues to expand security partnerships with European countries to address organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime and other cross-border challenges.
Kenya and Italy maintain close relations in trade, development, migration and security, with Rome regarded as one of Nairobi’s key partners in Europe.
The two ministries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of public safety, regional stability and efforts to counter emerging security threats.