According British High Commissioner Christian Turner, the threat of terrorism is global and requires cooperation among nations and agencies.
Turner spoke at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when he handed over two machines to be used for screening explosives and narcotics.
Turner said: “Sustaining a good level of security in these difficult times is a challenge for all of us. Aviation is a global business and through such a worldwide network we are all potentially vulnerable to attack.”
“We face the same difficult challenges in defending our aviation industries from the threat of terrorism so we should help one another and share experiences and best practice,” the envoy added.
Over 128 airport security staff have already been trained on the use of the explosive trace detectors that have a record speed (10 seconds) of detecting explosives and narcotics.
Another 21 staff have been taken through aviation security managers course and another 37 taken through a security supervision course.
The Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines are able to detect narcotics and explosives in small quantities up to a billionth of a gram.
Turner also intimated his government will in the near future deliver X-Ray trays to the Kenya Airports Authority.
It’s a long-term commitment of helping the airports authority deliver a more secure travelling environment.
While receiving the equipment, the managing director of the Kenya Airports Authority Stephen Gichuki also committed to engaging in partnerships that will tighten security measures at all Kenyan airports.
“Our security department continues to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that our level of security is up to international standards. These agencies form a critical part of the effective partnerships that are essential to the achievement of our mandate,” said Gichuki.
Alongside the ETD donation, KAA will also receive ETD Equipment consumables every six months and ETD technical servicing and maintenance by British experts.