00:00 An Anka State in the region, Kenya is happy to host the Mashariki Cooperation Conference,
00:07 a convening of highly skilled detectives and security chiefs.
00:13 While your mandate is mainly working at the national level,
00:18 the changing landscape of security demands that we seek and enhance partnership networks beyond our borders.
00:28 Indeed, security is a national, transnational and international issue,
00:34 which must be tackled with corresponding interventions.
00:38 Distinguished Delegates and Security Chiefs,
00:42 This meeting takes place when some of our sister states in East Africa face security challenges,
00:49 unarmed internal conflicts and terrorism.
00:54 This is besides transnational organized crimes, including trafficking in humans,
01:00 especially children, drugs, counterfeit goods, corruption, money laundering, wildlife trophies, among others.
01:11 Armed conflicts are, among other issues, fuelled by illegal trade in weapons across our borders.
01:20 Terrorism and religious extremism are taking root as radicalization cells also grow.
01:28 As technology advances, crimes and other forms of insecurity have gone high-tech, therefore more complicated.
01:37 These and other security challenges threaten national development agendas
01:44 for socioeconomic transformation towards the Africa we want, as outlined by Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
01:52 Security concerns are a threat to Africa rising,
01:57 besides achievement of sustainable development goals as envisaged under Agenda 2030.
02:05 Africa is without doubt the continent of the 21st century.
02:13 But insecurity, if not strategically and decisively tackled, may derail the vision of transforming the lives of our people.
02:21 I cannot emphasize more on why security is key to a better, brighter and successful region, an Africa as a continent.
02:31 That is why this meeting, which happens about four years since Africa missed the target of silencing the guns by the year 2020,
02:42 is one of the strategies of sparring development is timely.
02:46 Distinguished Security Chiefs and Delegates,
02:51 national and international legal frameworks place the responsibility of guaranteeing security to citizens on the state.
02:59 But such frameworks, especially in Africa, may not clearly outline collaboration and cooperation at interstate and regional levels.
03:11 National Intelligence Service officers are an essential component in collection of evidence-based information for action by other state agencies.
03:21 In an environment where networks of criminals have gone regional and global, National Intelligence Services cannot be left behind.
03:30 You have to be ahead of the game.
03:34 That is why this conference, on harnessing opportunities to address the common threats for a peaceful and prosperous region,
03:42 offers a moment for networking and building joint strategies.
03:46 As a region, we have all borne the brunt of insecurity when our neighbors are troubled.
03:53 Trouble anywhere in our region is trouble for everyone.
03:57 That is why we must work together to address security threats.
04:03 Distinguished Delegates, in particular, at this convening we have an opportunity to review gaps and threats in security matters
04:12 from traditional spaces in digital platforms which have made crimes more complex.
04:18 Digital spaces have become playgrounds for recruitment and radicalization, money laundering and trap points for homicides and other cyber crimes,
04:30 as recently witnessed in Kenya.
04:33 Esteemed Delegates, this calls for strengthening of the capacity of officers in digital skills.
04:41 This is in addition to recruiting experts in specialized and emerging areas in technology to be ahead of the game.
04:50 While more resources are required in integration of artificial intelligence into security operations,
04:58 we have no option but to invest for better outcomes.
05:02 With advancing technology, we must be armed with highly innovative infrastructure for tracing, tracking and monitoring potential threats for early elimination and prevention.
05:15 Security Chiefs here are advisors of key state decision makers.
05:22 Their work must inform legal and policy actions for sustainable security solutions.
05:28 We are ready to receive guidance on best and most productive strategies of integrating technology for enhanced security.
05:36 Beyond this conference, we expect that you will identify strong areas of each state represented
05:45 for cross-pollination of good practices through formal and informal training and exchange program for officers.
05:52 With a network of 15 Member States, this gathering should define a framework for sharing knowledge and information
06:01 between and among our intelligence bureaus for strategic interventions and mutual benefit.
06:07 This is besides joint operations on issues of regional interest.
06:14 Transnational challenges call for transnational solutions.
06:18 Such solutions are in stronger strategic collaboration and cooperation.
06:23 Distinguished Security Chiefs and Delegates, National Intelligence Service works for public good.
06:31 While your work is mostly undercover, it is important to note that cultivating public trust is central to success.
06:40 This therefore calls for a human rights-based approach to investigations.
06:45 This will instill and sustain public confidence in the National Intelligence Services as a public interest-driven state organ.
06:54 On this note, I now take this opportunity to declare the Mashariki Cooperation Conference officially open
07:06 and look forward to the outcome for further action as under this un.
07:10 [Applause]
07:12 [Silence]
