Kenya, US to establish anti-terror task force in Nairobi

FBI and State Department officials and Kenyan police and intelligence officers at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where the Kenyans will undergo training in preparation for the newly-announced Kenyan Joint Terrorism Task Force. [Courtesy of FBI]

Kenya has received a shot in the arm in the fight against terrorism after the US government announced plans to establish a counter-terror task force in Nairobi. 

The country will now have a special Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) thanks to the US Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

According to a press release by FBI on Monday, the multiagency counterterrorism investigative force was mooted after the attack on Nairobi's Dusit D2 Hotel in January 2019.

 International Operations Division assistant director Charles Spencer expressed delight for the partnership between FBI, State Department and Kenya.

“The first Kenyan JTTF will allow for a sharing of experience, knowledge, and capabilities that will enhance our shared commitment to countering terrorism around the world,” he said.

The move will see 42 Kenyan officers undergo a 12-week intensive counterterrorism training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where they will learn to handle sensitive counterterrorism intelligence and investigate terrorism matters.

After completing the course, the officers will return to Kenya where they will start their work assisted by an FBI special agent.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti expressed his gratitude for the US-Kenya partnership that would enhance Kenyan officers’ aptitudes in fighting terrorism.  

“Due to globalisation and the rapid advancement in technology, terrorists and their sympathisers have also changed tactics and devised new methods to further their agenda,” he said.

“Endeavours such as the Kenyan JTTF will allow for a multi-agency approach to achieve common objectives and assist us in obtaining the upper hand against the enemy.”

FBI said investigations conducted by the Kenyan-led JTTF should adhere to international laws and observe human rights.

Their cases, however, prosecuted in Kenyan courts.