Police get 57 patrol cars from China

By Philip Mwakio

Fifty-seven cars donated by China to regular and Administration Police have arrived at Mombasa port.

The donation is the latest evidence of growing security and military ties between China and Kenya.

Kenya has stepped up ties with China and other Asian nations since President Kibaki’s ascended to power nine years ago.

Documents seen by The Standard indicate the consignment is a donation. “Donation from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, sent through China’s External Aid Agency.

From the papers, it is not clear what makes the cars are and their engine capacity is indicated.

The Standard team saw the cars packed in containers at Focus Container Freight Station in Kipevu.

Port authorities have placed a heavy cordon of undercover agents from Mombasa and Nairobi to guard the cars.

The brand new vehicles, which were shipped into the country last month left for Nairobi on Wednesday where Internal Security minister George Saitoti is expected to commission them for use.

green and maroon

The vehicles are already painted in the blue and white Kenya Police colours and the green and maroon colours for Administration Police.

The vehicles of 2,000cc engine capacity (turbo charged) were packed in 28 40-foot containers and one 20-foot container.

Documents indicate the consignee is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security while the shipper is identified as China Auto CAIEC Ltd of Beijing China.

They further stated that the consignment was shipped by China Auto Caiec Limited, No 265 Beishuan Zhnglu, Beijing, China.