US donates bomb disposal equipment worth Sh12m to Kenya

By Standard Reporter

Nairobi, Kenya:  The United States government Thursday donated Sh12,750,000 worth of disposal equipment to Kenya’ s Criminal Investigations Department in a move aimed at countering rising cases of terrorism in the country.

This donation brings to Sh60 million, the amount offered to the Kenyan government in the recent past.

Speaking during handover of the equipment, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec said president Obama’s government is committed to assist Kenya end Al-Shabaab menace.

“The United States stands with Kenya in its fight against terrorism,” said Ambassador Godec ,adding: “This donation is a mark of our commitment to work with Kenya to end the threat from al-Shabaab.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program has been providing training and equipment to the National Police Service’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations Bomb Disposal Unit for six years. 

Deputy CID Director Kimilu joined the Ambassador, and other Embassy and CID staff in viewing a live demonstration of a bomb disposal exercise.

“Included in the donation were three robots used to help ensure Westgate Shopping Mall was clear of potential explosive devices following the terrorist attack,“  read a press statement from the US embassy.

This donation follows the recent terror attack on Westgate Shopping mall in Nairobi where over 67 people lost their lives.