Kenya Urges Coordinated Action to Curb Small Arms Trafficking in Great Lakes and Horn of Africa

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Kenya has called for urgent and coordinated regional efforts to combat the growing threat of small arms trafficking in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region, warning that isolated actions are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.

Speaking during the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) forum, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Chair of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling the proliferation of illicit firearms.

“No single nation can overcome this crisis alone, and every delay results in more lives lost and families displaced,” Dr. Omollo said. “We must equip ourselves with tools for rapid and effective action.”

Dr. Omollo also underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of instability in the region—including armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and political violence—arguing that without tackling these drivers, efforts to curb arms movement will remain futile.

“One or two states might appear to be calm,” he noted, “but none of us are truly safe or secure when any of our states is facing security challenges.”

This year’s gathering marked two decades since the inception of the RECSA forum, which brings together member states from Eastern, Central, and Horn of Africa to collaborate on policy, enforcement, and disarmament strategies. Delegates used the milestone to reflect on both the achievements and the persistent challenges in securing peace and safety in the region.

Kenya's renewed call for action comes amid rising concern over the role of illicit weapons in fueling conflict, terrorism, and cross-border crime, particularly in fragile and post-conflict zones.

The forum concluded with a renewed pledge by member states to enhance information sharing, invest in border control capabilities, and strengthen national arms management systems as part of a unified approach to peace and security in Africa.


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