The British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, today handed over essential forensic medical equipment worth KES 4.5 Million to assist Kenya in our joint fight against terrorism.
In a ceremony at Kenyatta National Hospital with Chief Administration Secretary, Rashid Aman, a portable mortuary fridge, mortuary tables, chairs, body bags and evidence bags, were handed over to the Ministry of Health.
This equipment will increase the capacity of the Pathology and Forensic Unit, improving disaster response and supporting forensic investigations.
The medical equipment will preserve and analyse crucial evidence needed to identify and convict terrorist offenders, bringing them to justice.
It will also help identify disaster victims and preserve their dignity, to prevent further suffering for grieving families.
As our closest partner on counter terrorism in East Africa, the UK stands with Kenya in this fight against terrorism.
The UK invests approximately KES 1.1billion (£7million) a year in Counterterrorism (CT) efforts in Kenya.
This ranges from building the
capacity of criminal justice institutions through training and mentoring, to reinforcing Kenya’s CT infrastructure such as through security installation investments at the Kahawa Law Court – Kenya’s first court dedicated to addressing terrorism offences.
We are also supporting the construction of the new coastal headquarters for the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, which will be completed this year”The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriott, said.
“The scourge of terrorism is a challenge we face in both our countries. We remember
the victims of these attacks, from Westgate, to Riverside, to Garissa. I am pleased to provide this support to Kenya, to help boost our joint fight against terrorism.”
Chief Administration Secretary, Ministry of Health Rashid Aman said,
“The role played by forensic medical services to the public health and safety of this country cannot be underestimated. We have heard the challenges face by the officers
in the Division of Forensic and Pathology Services but I wish to recognize the efforts and successes by this team despite these challenges.”
The specific number of items donated today include: one Portable Mortuary fridge, 24 Slats for Mortuary Table, six Mortuary Tables, six Aluminium Stepladders, 15 Collapsible Tables, 20 Folding Chairs and 300 Body Bags.
The UK’s CT support to Kenya is wide-ranging. We have, for example, also
reduced the vulnerability to radicalisation of 300 at-risk Kenyans through engagement with communities and civil society organisations.
Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism requires not only a strong
security response, but also a holistic effort that incorporates political, diplomatic and development approaches.
The UK has supported County Action Plans and County Engagement Forums as part of this collaboration, shaping, coordinating and preventing violent extremism actions at the County level.
