LONDON, England – The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Christian Turner, formally handed over Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training kits to Kenya’s Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Eng. Michael Kamau and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director, Lucy Mbugua, at the East Africa Aviation School, Nairobi.
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 a passenger in his/her belongings. The IED kits will assist to broaden aviation security detection capability at airports across Kenya.
In addition to this equipment, the UK Government has and continues to offer various levels of aviation security training courses to the KAA and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on: explosive trace detection machines; x-ray screening; physical search of baggage and people; aviation security supervisor/managers skills; and on the job ‘mentoring’ training at airports in Kenya.
Speaking during the official handover, the High Commissioner said:
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 High Commissioner also opened a UK ‘Counter IED and Recognition of Firearms and Explosives’ training course running at the East African Aviation School: 15-19 September (with the training course repeated: 22-26 September).
Terrorism is a global threat and the UK Government is keen to continue its close working relationship with Kenya in order to help improve security in East Africa. Most recently Britain’s support has included working closely with the Rural Border Police Unit to help develop their capabilities. The UK Government continues to build and develop the capacity of the Anti Terrorism Police Unit and other security agencies in their efforts to tackle terrorism in a human rights compliant fashion as well as working closely with National and County Governments to facilitate better relationships between communities and security forces in high-risk areas to try and counter violent extremism.
The UK government will also continue to provide technical advice and support to The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in building their capability to prosecute complex counter-terrorism cases in Kenya. Also present at the event were UK Military Adviser Brig. Duncan Francis and Transport Principal Secretary Nduva Muli
