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Britain hands over bomb detection kits to KAA

Turner has assured that the UK Government will continue enhancing the capacity of Kenya's security personnel, especially those manning key installations like airports and border points/FRANCIS MBATHA

Turner has assured that the UK Government will continue enhancing the capacity of Kenya’s security personnel, especially those manning key installations like airports and border points/FRANCIS MBATHA

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – The United Kingdom will continue to support Kenya in its effort to eliminate terrorist threats.

High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner says terrorism remains a global challenge that requires concerted efforts if it is to be eliminated.

Turner has assured that the UK Government will continue enhancing the capacity of Kenya’s security personnel, especially those manning key installations like airports and border points.

He was speaking when he handed over explosives detectors and training kits to the Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Lucy Mbugua in the presence of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Kamau.

“We are committed to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to counter terror threats through assistance on investigating and prosecuting detained terrorists in line with international human rights standards,” he stated.

He further noted that the support will be extended to other sectors like police reforms and Kenya’s effort to restore sanity in the troubled Somalia.

He added that “aviation security is another vital element in protecting all our citizens from acts of terrorism.”

“Security is a priority for us all, so I am delighted that the UK Government continues to work closely with the KAA and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) in order to further strengthen the existing aviation security regime in Kenya.”

The Improvised Explosive Device kits were handed to the Kenya Airports Authority as part of efforts to combat terrorism in the country.

The IED kits have been made by UK military experts especially with aviation in mind and include ‘dummy devices’ that mirror recent threats against aviation around the world, including bombs concealed by passengers.

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This cooperation is part of a programme of support from the UK to increase the capacity of Kenya’s counter terrorism operations.

Other support has included the donation of a Rubber Inflatable Boat to the Lamu Police, and X-ray equipment for Nairobi’s international airport, and air surveillance equipment to counter piracy.

Security personnel in Kenya manning airports were trained on how to detect shoe bombs, underpants bombs among other explosives that have been used by terrorist in other parts of the world.

This is set to assist to broaden aviation security detection capability at airports across Kenya.

Kamau on his part said the Government had prioritised security in all sectors of the country while urging all people using airport facilities to cooperate with security personnel’s.

“There is a critical need for both the international and inter-agency collaboration to detect and deter transportation of these devices,” he stated.

He called on all people using airports in the country to cooperate with security personnel as security gets enhanced but regretted that some people are reluctant to submit themselves to security searches due to their status.

“Those people who think we want to carry out free massage at the airport should understand that terrorism poses a real threat,” he said.

“This business of some people thinking they are too important to be searched doesn’t work. I personally as a Cabinet Secretary subject myself to physical search.”

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