Kenyan Border Police Use Training, Firepower to Target Cross-Border Crime

ADF STAFF

Kenya’s National Border Protection Unit got a boost, thanks to a donation of vehicles, equipment and training facilities by U.S. Africa Command.

The recent $1.17 million donation included 35 new Toyota Land Cruisers, 23 sets of M4 rifles and 9 mm Glock pistols, body armor, and a Multiple Incident Learning Objectives firearms simulator, along with computers and equipment for new training rooms.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the presentation ceremony at the Border Police Unit (BPU) headquarters and training facility in Kitui County.

“We understand that in a dynamic operating environment characterized by emerging and asymmetrical threats, investment in modern technology and cutting-edge training is instrumental for 21st century law enforcement,” Kenyatta said.

The goal is to help Kenya continue to fend off extremist threats from groups such as Somalia-based al-Shabaab, which launched attacks this summer against border protection forces in the Yumbis area of Garissa County. Three extremists and an Administrative Police constable died in the attack.

A separate attack in Wajir County a week before killed eight Kenyan troops.

Al-Shabaab has launched attacks and kidnappings in Kenya in response to Kenya’s participation in AMISOM, the 20,000-member African Union peacekeeping force supporting the Somali government. In May, the United Nations extended AMISOM’s mandate, which was set to end this year, until the end of February 2021.

“This donation is part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to the safety and security of Kenya and East Africa,” U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter said.

Through its law enforcement partnerships with Kenyan police units, U.S. forces have worked with members of Kenya’s Cyber Forensics Unit, Bomb Disposal Unit, Recce Crisis Response Team, and the Border Police Unit. All told, the U.S. has provided Kenyan forces with $9 million in training and supported 17 counterterrorism courses for 250 students.

The U.S. and Kenya have had a strong partnership for decades. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has donated more than $68 million in equipment, training and other resources to Kenya.

The donation of vehicles, weaponry and other equipment is part of a three-year, $9 million assistance package designed to help the BPU improve its mobility and response along the border. It also will improve officers’ firearm skills, help expand training for new officers, and provide the BPU with superior firepower in its clashes with al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.

“The United States is and will remain a steadfast partner with Kenya in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” McCarter said.