The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security through the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025, a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to regulate the import, export, transit, and use of goods and technologies that could be diverted for the production of weapons of mass destruction.
The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, representing the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, presided over a high-level awareness forum in Naivasha convened by the Senate Standing Committees. The meeting 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 Strategic Goods Control Bill as the culmination of more than a decade of collaborative national and international efforts aimed at curbing the threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. He explained that the Bill is a vital step toward meeting Kenya’s international obligations under key global treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540.
He noted that Kenya’s strategic position as a regional trade and transit hub places a significant responsibility on the country to ensure that its borders and digital spaces are not exploited for illicit trafficking of sensitive materials. He cited past tragedies such as the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing and the 2012 explosion on Moi Avenue in Nairobi as painful reminders of what can happen when dangerous materials fall into the wrong hands.
The Bill proposes the establishment of a licensing system for handling strategic and dual-use goods, enhanced regulation of brokers and intermediaries,including those operating in digital spaces,and introduces strong enforcement mechanisms with severe penalties for violations. It also covers digital transmissions such as software and technical data that could be used in the development of WMDs, thereby aligning Kenya’s legal framework with evolving threats in modern warfare and terrorism.
Dr. Omollo stated that the passage of the Bill will not only reinforce national and regional security but will also improve investor confidence and position Kenya as a leader in strategic trade controls on the African continent, alongside countries like South Africa and Morocco.
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority Director General, James Keter, emphasized that the Bill will provide the necessary legal framework for overseeing all stages in the lifecycle of strategic goods,from manufacturing and storage to export and trans-shipment. He explained that the legislation will enable Kenya to fully operationalize UNSCR 1540 and meet its international commitments. He added that dual-use goods, those with both civilian and military applications, are becoming increasingly common due to technological advances, and the country must stay ahead of the curve through robust laws.
Kenya has already laid a legislative foundation through laws such as the Nuclear Regulatory Act, the Pest Control Products Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Environment Management and Coordination Act, and the Explosives Act. The Strategic Goods Control Bill is designed to complement and strengthen this existing framework, while giving effect to Article 2(6) of the Constitution, which incorporates ratified international treaties into Kenyan law.
In her remarks, Senator Fatuma Dullo, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, welcomed the Bill and stressed the urgency of its enactment. She called for clear timelines, staffing structures, and a coordinated implementation strategy. Senator Dullo also proposed deeper public participation, especially in Northern Kenya where communities are often vulnerable to cross-border security threats. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that local populations understand the purpose and protections offered by the proposed law.
Also present were Senators Allan Chesang, Jackson Mandago, and Boy Juma, Chairs of the ICT, Health, and Trade Committees respectively, alongside Ms. Carla Benini, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and several members of the Senate.
