Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology to bolster security in the East African region.
Gachagua while speaking in Mombasa on Sunday, January 28 when he officially opened the Mashariki Cooperation conference also underscored the pivotal role of technology in sustaining effective security measures.
The second in command was addressing top security and National Intelligence Service (NIS) chiefs from over 10 Eastern African states at the conference in Mombasa.
DP Gachagua commended Kenya’s Intelligence team noting that the Kenya Kwanza government has confidence in the work of NIS detectives.
He further pledged unwavering government support, to ensure the allocation of necessary resources to streamline NIS operations.
“While more resources are required in integration of Artificial Intelligence into security operations, we have no option but to invest for better outcomes.
“With advancing technology, we must be armed with highly innovative infrastructure for tracing, tracking and monitoring potential threats for early elimination and prevention.” Gachagua stated.
As such, DP Gachagua called for a cohesive regional strategy for gathering security information, emphasizing the need for joint operations and collaboration on issues of regional interest.
Enhanced Security for Development
The DP noted that security is an important aspect in development and socio-economic transformation, adding that it plays a crucial role in realizing African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He identified armed conflicts, human trafficking, drugs, counterfeit goods, corruption, money laundering, and wildlife crimes as significant threats to development.
“Digital spaces have become playgrounds for recruitment and radicalization, money laundering and trap points for homicides and other cybercrimes, sadly, as recently witnessed in Kenya,” he said.
Deputy President Gachagua stressed the necessity of transnational strategies to combat international criminal networks effectively.
He called for joint implementation of collaborative efforts to dismantle these networks and ensure regional security.
National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji who was also present at the event echoed the sentiments made by DP Gachagua noting that past collaborations in the region have borne fruit.
“We must join forces in and pool resources for strategic security interventions,” he added.
He has emphasized the need for collaboration and resource pooling among Eastern African states.
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Not only has the conference brought together all representatives from Djibouti to Mozambique but also recognized common challenges that can be overcome through joint strategic security interventions.
As the Mashariki Cooperation Conference concluded, the call for technological innovation in security remained at the forefront, promising a united front against emerging threats in Eastern Africa.
