Kenya is requesting enhanced backing from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to address illegal drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering activities, according to the country’s envoy to the UN in Vienna.
Ambassador Edwin Afande stated that Kenya requires assistance in data collection and intelligence exchange to tackle transnational organized crime, human smuggling, illegal drug trade and terrorism funding.
“We additionally need support in capacity development and technical help, including identifying novel psychoactive substances, in cooperation with the UNODC narcotics laboratory,” Amb Afande, who also serves as ambassador to Austria, informed the Star on Thursday.
He made these comments after presenting his credentials to Monica Juma, Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna and Executive Director of UNODC.
Afande mentioned that substantial progress had already been achieved at JKIA through the delivery of new detection kits and forensic equipment by UNODC.
“Concerning Kenya’s grey-list status, UNODC assistance includes awareness training and workshops in collaboration with the Financial Reporting Centre, the Law Society of Kenya and the DCI to ensure adherence to FATF [Financial Action Task Force] legislative and structural reforms necessary for removal from the list,” he added.
Following his accreditation, Afande indicated that new areas of partnership with UNODC would encompass combating synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals via the Synthetic Drug Strategy (2025-28), financed by the United States.
“This addresses countering illegal drug trafficking and novel psychoactive substances at airports and along the coastal regions of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique,” he explained.
The renewed anti-crime collaboration occurs as the Economic Survey 2026 revealed that 15,791kg of dangerous substances were confiscated in Kenya during 2025 alone.
The envoy further mentioned that police reform through the modernization and professionalization of the National Police Service College in Kiganjo, along with reinforcing Kenya’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems, represent key priority areas.
Another important focus is justice reform through the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (Plead II), which encompasses corruption, criminal justice, judicial and prison reforms.
“Kenya stands as the largest implementer and success example for the other nations in the region,” he added.
“Primary funding comes from the EU and partially from the government of Kenya.”
Nairobi is also advocating for improved maritime and cross-border cooperation, considering Kenya’s strategic location as both a transit and destination point for illegal drugs in Eastern Africa.
Afande reported that Kenya and UNODC are already working together through joint enforcement training programs, intelligence-sharing initiatives and coordinated operations aimed at international trafficking networks.
The cooperation also involves enhancing port and container control systems, improving forensic capabilities at the Government Chemist and expanding prevention, rehabilitation and mental health services for young people impacted by substance abuse.
Amb Afande’s accreditation occurred shortly after Juma’s arrival in Vienna, at a moment when two senior Kenyan diplomats have taken on significant international roles almost concurrently.
The Vienna discussions also addressed Kenya’s wider diplomatic objectives, including backing for UN reforms and the expansion of Nairobi as a major UN center in the Global South.
During the credentials ceremony, Afande emphasized President William Ruto’s dedication to multilateral cooperation, peace and security, characterizing them as fundamental supports for sustainable development.
He stated that the planned expansion of UN facilities in Nairobi should be understood in terms of strengthening the UN’s capacity to address emerging global challenges.
Juma welcomed Kenya’s support for the UN reform agenda and commended Nairobi’s ongoing partnership with UNODC in combating drug trafficking, terrorism financing, human trafficking and economic crimes.
Kenya has progressively established itself as a regional diplomatic and security anchor, taking leading roles in peace mediation efforts in Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
It also hosts the most extensive UN presence in the Global South through the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
Afande confirmed that Kenya will continue active participation in key UNODC forums, including the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the forthcoming 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi later this year.
The Vienna posting positions Afande at the core of critical global dialogues on international crime, terrorism, corruption and justice cooperation at a period when transnational security challenges are growing more intricate.