EAC RECEIVES 16 PATROL VEHICLES IN JAPAN-FUNDED SECURITY BOOST
...Two vehicles allocated to each partner state to strengthen border security, combat smuggling and human trafficking
By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUSHA
THE East African Community (EAC) has received 16 patrol vehicles funded by the Government of Japan to strengthen border security, combat cross-border crime and facilitate legitimate trade across the region.The vehicles have been provided under a project implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which seeks to improve border security and customs operations while creating a safer environment for trade among EAC partner states.
The handover ceremony took place at the EAC headquarters in Arusha on October 23, 2026, and was attended by EAC Secretary-General Stephen Patrick Mbundi, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania Jin Hashimoto, and UNOPS Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Massimo Diana.
According to the EAC, each of the eight partner states will receive two vehicles for deployment at strategic border locations, particularly in areas facing security challenges and those vulnerable to illegal crossings.
The beneficiary countries are Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Somalia.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Mbundi said the vehicles would strengthen the operational capacity of border security officers by improving patrols, enabling faster responses to security threats and helping prevent cross-border crime.
He said the initiative was part of the EAC's broader efforts to protect communities and ensure that people and goods move across borders safely and in compliance with the law.
“We expect these vehicles to strengthen border security operations and contribute to a safer and more conducive environment for cross-border trade,” Mr Mbundi said.
He urged partner states to ensure that the vehicles are deployed in designated border areas and used for their intended purposes to achieve the project's objectives.
Mr Mbundi said secure borders were essential in protecting communities and combating smuggling, human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
He added that improved security would boost confidence among traders and investors while facilitating the movement of people and goods across the East African market.
The decision to provide the vehicles followed technical assessments conducted by the EAC Secretariat at One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) across the region.
The assessments identified inadequate transport facilities and limited mobility among border security officers as some of the challenges undermining effective patrols and timely responses to criminal activities.
With the new vehicles, officers are expected to access areas requiring increased security surveillance more easily, monitor potential criminal activities and improve coordination among agencies responsible for border management.
The EAC expects the initiative to strengthen efforts to combat smuggling, human trafficking and other illegal activities that threaten public safety and the economies of partner states.
Speaking at the event, Mr Hashimoto said Japan remained committed to working with African countries to promote peace, security and development.
He said effective border management was important not only in preventing illegal activities but also in facilitating legitimate trade and the movement of people and goods.
Mr Hashimoto added that Japan believed in partnerships guided by the needs and priorities of partner countries, with the aim of creating peaceful and stable environments that support economic development.
The support highlights the role of international cooperation in helping East African countries address security challenges that require coordinated regional responses.
For his part, Mr Diana said the value of the partnership went beyond the handover of vehicles, noting that it was also about strengthening institutions and creating conditions for communities and economies to thrive.
He said UNOPS had used its expertise in procurement and project implementation to facilitate the acquisition of the vehicles and strengthen the operational readiness of border security authorities.
Mr Diana added that cooperation between Japan, the EAC and UNOPS was aimed at translating shared regional priorities into practical measures that strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate legitimate trade and advance economic integration across East Africa.
The EAC maintains that secure and efficient borders are fundamental to promoting trade, investment and regional economic integration.
For traders, transporters and communities living along border areas, stronger security is expected to reduce opportunities for criminal activities and provide greater certainty for economic operations.
The initiative also supports the EAC's broader objectives of strengthening regional cooperation, improving economic competitiveness and enhancing people's livelihoods through trade, investment and efficient transport systems.
However, the success of the programme will depend on the proper use and maintenance of the vehicles, as well as effective coordination among security agencies in partner states.
The EAC has directed that the vehicles be deployed in designated areas, with partner states expected to ensure they deliver the intended security and trade facilitation benefits.
The East African Community comprises eight partner states: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia. The regional bloc seeks to deepen political, economic, social and cultural cooperation for the benefit of the people of East Africa.
ENDS
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