The MAG Kenya and Tanzania programme was established 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 and 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 contributes 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.
How we help
MAG actively engages with Small Arms and Light Weapons National Focal Points (SALW-NFP) in both Kenya and Tanzania to determine priority interventions. Due to this, all activities are implemented in partnership with in-country security and defence forces, to build their capacity and respond to the most pressing needs. By combining technical expertise, advocacy, research and community engagement, MAG helps to create safe weapons and ammunition management. MAG partners with governments, regional organizations and national focal points to promote evidence-based approaches to violence prevention through assessments and capacity strengthening initiatives.
In response to emerging needs, MAG will be supporting the implementation of containerised armories, construction of new armories where needed, as well as the rehabilitation of existing armories thus contributing to enhanced regional security and stability through reducing the likelihood of weapons and ammunition diversion from state stockpiles. These activities will support the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol on the Control, Prevention and Reduction of SALW in the Great Lakes Region and Horn of Africa, as well as international disarmament instruments including the UN Programme of Action (UNPOA) on SALW.
Upcoming activities include marking and record keeping of serviceable SALW to enhance traceability. Supporting stockpile and ammunition management capacity at national level as well as improving public awareness of the benefits of conventional weapons destruction.
