Nairobi has taken a significant step in the fight against terrorism with the launch of a specialised training programme focused on combating terror financing and money laundering. Spearheaded by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, the five-day course brings together 22 government officials from Kenya’s top security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the National Police Service (NPS), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The training, conducted by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), focuses on how evolving technology has complicated terror financing. CS Tuya hailed the initiative as a “major milestone” for Nairobi, describing it as a testament to Kenya’s emerging role as a regional leader in security and counterterrorism efforts.
“This is a show of confidence in our counterterrorism efforts and encourages us to do more,” Tuya said. She also stressed the importance of global cooperation in fighting terrorism, noting that defeating such a threat requires strategic alliances and collective action.
The course, titled Initiative for Countering Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering, covers essential areas such as intelligence gathering, financial surveillance, forensic accounting, and cyber-finance monitoring. Participants will also analyse international case studies where financial networks of terrorist organisations were successfully dismantled.
KDF, in a briefing, highlighted the programme as part of a broader commitment to weakening the financial lifelines of terrorist groups. “Through this training, we aim to enhance institutional resilience, promote public awareness, and foster cooperation with international partners,” the brief stated.
The initiative reflects Kenya’s cross-sectoral approach to counterterrorism, with participants drawn from multiple agencies to encourage coordination and intelligence sharing. According to Tuya, recognising the centrality of financing in terrorism is crucial. “The timely nature of this training aligns perfectly with our efforts to disrupt the financial networks that fuel terrorism,” she added.
A recent IMCTC publication, AtTAHALOF, warned of the increasing complexity of terror financing, calling for improved cross-border cooperation and technological tools. It concluded that cutting off terrorist funding remains one of the most effective strategies in counterterrorism.
As Kenya continues to navigate both regional and global threats, this training is a crucial step in bolstering national security and international collaboration.
