Japan donates 16 trucks to patrol East African Community borders

Japan funded the donation of 16 Toyota Hilux 4WD pickups to the East African Community (EAC) to strengthen security along the borders of its eight member states. Handed over to the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, the vehicles were allocated two per country to improve patrols and responses to cross-border threats, including smuggling and human trafficking. The project is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), following assessments that identified transport shortages at border posts. EAC Secretary General Stephen Patrick Mbundi thanked Japan and urged partner states to deploy the vehicles only in designated border areas.