HOW KENYA PORT EXPANSION MAY ENCOUNTER CRIME & TERRORISM

The propose multi-billion dollar development project which is worth US$3.6 billion which will transform the country sea, lake and dry ports over the next 30 years maybe encounter organised crime and terrorism in the future.

The project which is one of the seven mega infrastructure development schemes under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) is aimed at transforming the country into a middle-income economy.

THE FUTURE CRIME AND TERROR LOOMING

In 2019, Kenya banned trade with Somalia through the Kiubga border point due to security threats. This was due to the fact that Al-Shabaab collaborates with the transnational organised crime group. These measure help in countering syndicates that are involved in illegal fishing, human trafficking, contraband goods and terror Merchant. 

Meanwhile, local grievances could also exacerbate Lamu Port’s susceptibility to infiltration by organised crime and terror groups. It will also make the area to attract unwanted attention as in 2018, it was identified as a drug trade hotspot.

The link with South Sudan and Ethiopia present an opportunity to expand drug trafficking to markets in northern Kenya and Neighbouring East African states as they will be vulnerable to trafficking in minerals, wildlife and endangered tree species such as teak.

One thing for sure is that the idea is not a bad one but will the government be able to prevent all this future occurrences from happening, that is the question that needs to be answered.

 

SOURCE: ISS

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