Kenya, Tanzania to cooperate in fight against terror, narcotics and poaching

Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to scale up cooperation in the war against terrorism, drug trafficking and poaching.

Speaking on Monday during bilateral talks at State House, Nairobi, president Uhuru Kenyatta and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete affirmed the commitment of the two countries in curbing the vices.

On terrorism, the Kenyan leader said the two countries must continue to work together in a coordinated manner in the fight against the menace.

“Your country has in the past suffered, just like Kenya, in the hands of these merciless individuals, and we must use the strongest possible action to stop the unnecessary violence that threatens the safety, security and prosperity of our peoples,” Mr Kenyatta said.

He added that they must continue to address the catalytic factors that provide fodder for radicalisation of children and the youth, citing job creation, education, ensuring equity in the distribution of national wealth and public participation in decision making as some of the initiatives that would help to eliminate terrorism.

President Kenyatta said the two governments should also remain steadfast in curbing drug trafficking and use that has become a thorny problem of concern to the region.

Safeguard future

“We need to consolidate efforts within our borders through heightened surveillance intelligence to stem out this vice,” he said.

On his part, president Kikwete said time has come for the two countries to deal firmly with proponents of radicalisation and drug trafficking.

“We must ensure that we close all the avenues that lead to the radicalisation of our youths. We must also step up mechanisms that will make it difficult for drug barons to peddle their wares,” President Kikwete said.

He emphasised that by working jointly, Kenya and Tanzania stand a better chance of ending poaching, a major threat to wildlife in both countries.

President Kenyatta noted that President Kikwete’s visit, coming at a time when he is about to end his tenure in office, reaffirms existing mutually beneficial ties between the two countries.

The leaders observed that Kenya and Tanzania continue to make progress within the framework of the Joint Commission for Cooperation.

Through the Joint Commission for Cooperation, the two countries have worked together on regular basis to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual benefit including in immigration, security, public service, infrastructure, agriculture, environment, trade and investment, health and education among many others.