MAG established a programme in Kenya-Tanzania in 2024, in close collaboration with national police force units for both Kenya and Tanzania. In both countries, MAG works in partnership with government institutions (KNFP/TNFP) and regional bodies (RECSA) to strengthen weapons and ammunition management, reduce the impact of armed violence and support small arms control efforts. Through technical assistance and capacity strengthening initiatives, MAG helps to build safer and more resilient communities across the region.
Why we work in Kenya-Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania play a critical role in the security, peace and development of the East African region. As key transport and economic hubs, both countries are central to regional efforts to address the misuse and proliferation of small arms, improve weapons and ammunition management and strengthen community safety. Drawing on more than three decades of global expertise and experience from programmes in over 30 countries, the Kenya-Tanzania programme contributed to national and regional efforts to enhance human security and strengthen systems preventing armed violence and its consequences. The proliferation of illicit weapons has intensified intercommunal conflicts across both countries, while cross-border trafficking remains a major source of weapons in circulation.
Despite their relative stability, communities in Kenya and Tanzania continue to face security challenges linked to the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons, insecurity along the borders, cross-border trafficking and other risks associated with poorly managed weapons and stockpiles security. Circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is a significant driver of armed crime in Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly Kenya. It contributes to persistent cattle rustling, intercommunal violence in rural communities, and organised crime in urban areas. Efforts to curb these flows are often constrained by limited state capacity. In addition, the diversion of weapons and ammunition from government stockpiles through theft, leakage, or inadequate stockpile management further fuels the illicit arms trade and wider insecurity in the region.
Why we work in Kenya-Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania play a critical role in the security, peace and development of the East African region. As key transport and economic hubs, both countries are central to regional efforts to address the misuse and proliferation of small arms, improve weapons and ammunition management and strengthen community safety. Drawing on more than three decades of global expertise and experience from programmes in over 30 countries, the Kenya-Tanzania programme contributed to national and regional efforts to enhance human security and strengthen systems preventing armed violence and its consequences. The proliferation of illicit weapons has intensified intercommunal conflicts across both countries, while cross-border trafficking remains a major source of weapons in circulation.
Despite their relative stability, communities in Kenya and Tanzania continue to face security challenges linked to the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons, insecurity along the borders, cross-border trafficking and other risks associated with poorly managed weapons and stockpiles security. Circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is a significant driver of armed crime in Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly Kenya. It contributes to persistent cattle rustling, intercommunal violence in rural communities, and organised crime in urban areas. Efforts to curb these flows are often constrained by limited state capacity. In addition, the diversion of weapons and ammunition from government stockpiles through theft, leakage, or inadequate stockpile management further fuels the illicit arms trade and wider insecurity in the region.
