Fraudulent use of identity and other official documents, which enables criminals and even terrorists to travel undetected, is the biggest threat to the country’s security.

Fake passports and other forms of identity frauds usually act as key enablers for many other types of cross-border crimes such as human and drug trafficking, terrorism, smuggling and other transnational organised crimes.

Last Wednesday, the Interior Ministry revealed that in the past year, fake passports and identification documents accounted for 40 per cent of crimes apprehended at the border points in Suam, Malaba and Busia.

Counterfeits and contrabands have also been confiscated by the border control authorities, with 12 wanted criminals captured within that period. The government identified this as a threat and promised to reign on it with finality.

Considering the attendant threats, the agencies concerned need to nip it in the bud to not only ensure a smooth and secure movement of people but also an enhanced national security and public safety.

Measures put in place should also facilitate trade and travel, ensure increased revenue collection, enhance information-sharing, and fight against illicit trade and environmental protection.

These can be achieved through a well-coordinated sharing of intelligence among the agencies involved in managing the points of entry and exits in the country.

Unlike in the past when border control and enforcement operations were undertaken by different organisations working in an uncoordinated manner, we now have the Kenya Coordinated Border Management Programme.

There should be seamless service delivery at the country’s points of entry and exit which include land, air, and maritime borders.

Some of the government officers working at border points have undergone training in order to continue inculcating the Whole-of-Government Approach in their day-to-day activities.

The government needs to put more measures in place to protect Kenya’s reputation and defend the integrity of its immigration policies.

Law enforcement agencies should also enforce the existing laws and policies, and the multi-agency teams working at the border units be facilitated to effectively flag out such cases.