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| Burning firearms |
2500 Guns torched to reduce insecurity in the country
Published on 1st April 2010
30th March 2010 ...The Government of Kenya on 24th March 2010 destroyed over 2500 illegal firearms surrendered by its citizens. This was part of UNDPs initiative to reduce and control proliferation of small and light weapons. The destruction was witnessed by Alfred Teixera, the UNDP deputy country director for programmes, Professor Geroge Saitoti the Minister for internal security and the police commissioner Mr. Mathew Iteere among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Alfredo Teixeira reiterated UNDPs commitment to assisting the government reduce armed violence in Northern Kenya through the armed violence reduction project being implemented in Isiolo, Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa districts.
Prof George Saitoti, pledged to have a law enacted, with stiffer penalties and sentences to curb illegal guns. Once enacted the law will provide for stiff punishment for possession, trading, conveying and dealing in illegal weapons,” confirmed the minister.
Proliferation of small arms remains a major challenge to human development in Kenya. Most of the firearms were surrendered by pastoral communities from the Northern part of the country. The guns are used in cattle rustling in which many innocent lives are lost and livestock stolen.
UNDP is keen on promoting inclusive development through promotion of peace among all Kenyans. Northern Kenya is close some of the regions conflict zones and the country is challenged with the absence of effective border controls. This makes it easy for arms to be smuggled into the country for local use or for resell to other countries.
UNDP Kenya supports the government and other stakeholders on issues of conflict prevention and peace building programme that advocates for and support harmonized national plans and policies related to peace building and conflict management. UNDP also promotes a culture of peace in Kenya through peace education. The programme helps in strengthening conflict early warning and response mechanism at local, national and regional level as well as managing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
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