AI weapons raise security, economic risks in East Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – The growing use of artificial intelligence in the production and trafficking of small arms is emerging as a major security and economic risk in the region, a new report by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) shows.

The assessment, covering 2005 to 2025, warns that technologies such as 3D printing and drones are accelerating the spread of illicit weapons, complicating enforcement and increasing the cost of maintaining security.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo said the trend is reshaping the region’s security landscape.

“The proliferation of small arms… has been made easier due to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence… hence it presents a new challenge,” he said.

The report notes that AI-enabled weapons can bypass traditional detection systems, posing risks to public safety while also disrupting trade, undermining investor confidence and straining public resources.

Omollo warned that failure to address the threat could worsen corruption and regional conflicts.

“We need to equip our security agents with current technology… to curb the flow of these weapons,” he said.

The findings cite porous borders, weak regulation and limited coordination as key drivers of illicit arms flows, with direct economic consequences in border regions where insecurity disrupts supply chains and livelihoods.

Felix Namuhoranye said closing implementation gaps will be critical.

“Strengthening implementation at the national level will be key in delivering safer communities,” he said.

A representative of the United Kingdom High Commission in Kenya, Cross Smith, emphasised the need for coordinated action.

“These are transnational issues that require collaboration beyond the region,” she said.

RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji said while progress has been made in strengthening control systems, emerging technologies require new approaches.

“Emerging threats and evolving trafficking dynamics require us to continuously adapt,” he said.

The report calls for stronger regional coordination, innovation and partnerships to address the evolving threat and safeguard economic stability in East Africa.