Murkomen holds talks with EU human rights envoy on governance and security
By Faith Lagat, February 11, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has held bilateral talks with the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, focusing on cooperation in human rights promotion, democratic governance and security.
In a post on X dated February 11, 2026, CS Murkomen termed the meeting a continuation of the longstanding ties between Kenya and the European Union.
“This morning, I met with the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren,” he wrote.
Governance and human rights agenda
According to Murkomen, the discussions explored ways to strengthen collaboration in advancing human rights and democratic governance.
He briefed the EU envoy on measures being implemented to enhance citizen participation, entrench democratic culture, strengthen judicial independence and reinforce oversight institutions.
The CS also highlighted efforts to support civil society and improve accountability within government systems.
“Our discussions centred on ways of enhancing our collaboration on advancing human rights, democratic governance, and strategic cooperation on a number of areas including security. I apprised H.E Ollongren of our many programmes geared towards citizen inclusion, robust democratic culture, an independent judiciary, strong oversight institutions and a vibrant civil society,” Murkomen stated.
Ollongren congratulated Kenya on its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, noting that the role places the country in a strategic position within the global human rights framework.
Security cooperation and police reforms
Security sector reforms also featured prominently in the talks. Murkomen outlined ongoing efforts to modernise the National Police Service, including capacity building and digitisation of the criminal justice system.
He thanked the European Union for its continued support in strengthening law enforcement institutions. The initiatives, he noted, are aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and accountability in the handling of cases.
The meeting comes amid sustained collaboration between Kenya and the EU in governance and security sector reforms, areas that have received European technical and financial backing over the years.
The high-level engagement was attended by EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger, Principal Administrative Secretaries Beverly Opwora and Jacob Narengo from the Ministry of Interior, Secretary for Administration Thomas Saka and Independent Policing Oversight Authority Commissioner Dr Annette Mbogoh.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Police Service were also present.