Published on: May 10, 2025 08:48 (EAT)

The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security through the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025, a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at regulating the import, export, transit, and use of goods and technologies that could be diverted to produce weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo, representing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, presided over a high-level awareness forum held in Naivasha.

The event was convened by the Senate Standing Committees and brought together key stakeholders including Senators, senior government officials, representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), and development partners such as the United States Embassy in Nairobi.

In his keynote address, Dr. Omollo described the Bill as the result of more than a decade of collaborative national and international efforts to mitigate threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

He emphasized that the legislation is a critical step toward fulfilling Kenya’s international obligations under key treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, and UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

Dr. Omollo underscored Kenya’s strategic position as a regional trade and transit hub, noting the country's responsibility to ensure its borders and digital spaces are not exploited for the trafficking of sensitive materials.

Recalling past incidents such as the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing and the 2012 Moi Avenue explosion, he stressed the urgent need for robust control mechanisms to prevent dangerous materials from falling into the wrong hands.

The Bill proposes a stringent licensing system for handling strategic and dual-use goods, enhanced regulation of brokers and intermediaries—including those operating in digital environments—and strong enforcement measures with severe penalties for violations.

It also addresses digital transmissions such as software and technical data that could aid in WMD development, aligning Kenya’s legal framework with evolving modern security threats.

Dr. Omollo added that enactment of the Bill will not only reinforce national and regional security but also boost investor confidence and establish Kenya as a continental leader in strategic trade controls, alongside countries like South Africa and Morocco.

KNRA Director General James Keter highlighted that the legislation will provide a robust legal framework for overseeing all stages in the lifecycle of strategic goods—from manufacturing and storage to export and trans-shipment.

He noted the growing prevalence of dual-use technologies and the importance of staying ahead of potential threats through proactive legislation. The Bill, he said, will enable Kenya to fully operationalize UNSCR 1540 and meet its global commitments.

Kenya has already established a solid legislative foundation through acts such as the Nuclear Regulatory Act, Pest Control Products Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act, Environment Management and Coordination Act, and the Explosives Act.

The Strategic Goods Control Bill is intended to complement and strengthen this framework while giving full effect to Article 2(6) of the Constitution, which integrates ratified international treaties into Kenyan law.

Senator Fatuma Dullo, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, expressed strong support for the Bill and emphasized the urgency of its passage.

She called for clearly defined timelines, staffing frameworks, and a coordinated implementation strategy.

Senator Dullo also advocated for deeper public participation, especially in Northern Kenya, where communities face heightened vulnerability to cross-border security threats.

She stressed the need to ensure that local populations understand the protections and purposes of the new legislation.

Other notable attendees included Senators Allan Chesang, Jackson Mandago, and Boy Juma, Chairs of the Senate Committees on ICT, Health, and Trade respectively, as well as Ms. Carla Benini, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and several members of the Senate.