Kenya has worked hard to reduce weapons proliferation. But, the country has experienced an influx of weapons from conflicts in neighboring states and challenges within its own stockpiles. Al Shabaab continues to target Kenya’s security service’s weapons stocks, particularly near the Somaliand border.
Weapons proliferation poses several significant threats to Kenya, including increased crime and violence. The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons has led to a rise in criminal activities and violence. These weapons are often used in robberies, carjackings, and other violent crimes.
The proliferation of weapons facilitates terrorist activities, particularly by groups like Al-Shabaab. These groups use smuggled arms to carry out attacks.
The influx of weapons into Kenya also exacerbates ethnic and clan rivalries, leading to violent clashes. This is particularly prevalent in pastoralist communities where disputes over resources can quickly turn deadly. The availability of arms can also fuel political violence, especially during election periods. Armed groups may use these weapons to intimidate voters or disrupt the electoral process.
OUR WORK
Weapons & Ammunition Management
HALO Kenya supported safe weapons and ammunitions storage in high security areas of the country threatened by weapons diversion and linked terrorism.
HALO’s work was in collaboration with a number of partners, including the Northern Rangeland Trust, the Kenyan Border Force and the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA), helping with capacity development and good governance.
The United States Government funded a HALO project in Kenya in 2022 that provided training and equipment support and the construction of six armouries to be be donated to Kenya's Border Police Unit. These were installed in three counties on the Somali border.
The armouries were constructed using adapted 20-foot shipping containers, given extra protection and solar power. One of them was a steel flat-pack armoury, so it could be delivered in a number of dismantled parts and constructed on site.
The aim was to help Kenya in the fight against the proliferation of weapons and put its armed services in a better position to protect and secure their own weapons and enabling them to better handle and process captured illicit weapons.
The Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) works with communities to train rangers to combat armed violence and protect wildlife in Kenya. HALO worked with NRT to support its conservation and armed violence initiatives by providing secure weapon store infrastructure.
Secure weapons store in Kenya