Mutua, who is head of the Kenyan delegation was accompanied by Governors Patrick Khaemba of Trans Nzoia and Ali Roba of Mandera counties, several county officials and those from private sector companies.
CALIFORNIA, Sept 29 – Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has urged Kenyan companies to partner with leading American security companies so as to make it easier for county Governments to procure new security technologies.
He said security at the county level was critical adding that his government was committed to ensuring that investors get a conducive environment to set up their businesses.
“It is vital that we get the best in terms of security technology and the only way we can do so efficiently is to have linkages at home with the American companies ,” said Mutua.
Mutua made the remarks while addressing the Kenyan delegation that is attending the ASIS International Conference in Anaheim, Los Angels, California, USA.
Mutua, who is head of the Kenyan delegation was accompanied by Governors Patrick Khaemba of Trans Nzoia and Ali Roba of Mandera counties, several county officials and those from private sector companies.
Some of the areas of security exhibited in the conference include advanced CCTV monitoring systems, bomb detection equipment and efficient emergency response protocols.
The conference that brings together security experts from all over the world was facilitated for the Kenyan delegation by the U.S. embassy’s Trade and Commerce Department.
Mutua said due to the bureaucratic procurement procedures, it is easier to procure equipment from a Kenyan based company than directly from a foreign company, even though that increases the cost of procuring.
“We want Kenyans to take back useful contacts and partnerships,” said Ms. Janet Mwangi of the U.S. embassy’s trade and commerce department, the facilitators of the visit by the Kenyan delegation.
Roba and Khaemba hailed the importance of the conference and praised the U.S. Embassy in Kenya for its exemplary planning and organisation.
They said that counties will benefit from the conference and especially those in areas that are prone to insecurity.
Mutua said his government had procured 120 security cars to increase police patrols and security across the county.
He added that to enhance security along key highways and towns, CCTV cameras have been installed thus bringing crime down.
Mutua said that street lighting had also been done along key roads and trading centres where high mast lights have been erected.
“Apart from enhancing security, the lights have enabled traders do business for 24 hours thus boosting local economies,”said Mutua.
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