Kenya, Tanzania vow to jointly combat terrorism, drug trafficking

Kenya and Tanzania on Monday agreed to scale up cooperation in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and poaching.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his visiting Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries after talks in the capital Nairobi.

"We need to consolidate efforts within our borders through heightened surveillance intelligence to stem out the vice (terrorism)," Kenyatta said in a statement.

The two sides also agreed to forge closer ties in trade and economy.

Kenyatta said the two neighbouring nations must continue to work together to address the "catalytic factors" that provide fodder for radicalization of children and the youth.

The president cited job creation for the youth, promoting education, ensuring equity in the distribution of national wealth, and public participation in decision making as some of the initiatives that would help eliminate terrorism.

He also said the two governments should also remain steadfast in curbing drug trafficking, which he said had become a thorny problem of concern to the region.

On his part, President Kikwete said the two countries must "close all the avenues that lead to the radicalization of our youths", and "step up mechanisms that will make it difficult for drug barons to peddle their wares."

He noted that by working jointly, Tanzania and Kenya stand a better chance of ending poaching, which is a major threat to wildlife in both countries.

Kikwete's visit, which came at a time when he was about to end his term in office, reaffirms the existing mutually beneficial ties between the two countries, Kenyatta said. Enditem