The United States of America has revealed that special teams have engaged in an intensive four-month training with Kenyan law enforcement officers and other stakeholders to prevent and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, the United States Embassy in Nairobi said that during the training, U.S. and Kenyan law enforcement officers trained on identifying secret places where chemical, biological, or explosive materials might be manufactured or weaponised.
Additionally, beginning in September, prosecutors, investigators, and judges in the country were trained on how to handle CBRNE prosecutions and investigations by the U.S. special teams.
The exercise, which was backed by the State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation and the U.S. Embassy, involved forensic specialists and CBRNE teams, according to the embassy.
"Participants learned how to collect evidence, test hazardous materials, and employ practical strategies to prevent threats from harming the public. In September, the focus shifted from the lab to the courtroom," the embassy stated.
"A follow-on workshop on CBRNE prosecutions and investigations brought together prosecutors, investigators, and judges to connect strong science with strong justice. Participants examined how evidence from CBRNE investigations can support prosecutions and how Kenyan investigators and prosecutors can work with international partners on cross-border cases," it added.
According to coordinators of the exercise, the training will be fundamental in reinforcing the country's and region's security, in addition to increasing public trust in the country's security agencies and justice systems.
"Each workshop included ‘train-the-trainers’ segments, ensuring that participants can pass their knowledge on to colleagues across the country. This approach means the impact of the training will continue long after the workshops conclude," the embassy stated.
"The United States Embassy in Nairobi remains committed to working with Kenya to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, strengthen justice, and build resilience against terrorism, advancing security and stability for both nations," it added.
The announcement comes two months after the embassy revealed that the United States was going to provide special training in how to combat human trafficking to 40 police officers from seven African countries, including five from Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, July 17, the embassy confirmed that the officers convened at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Otse, Botswana, for the training.
Botswana, Cameroon, Djibouti, Gabon, Mauritius, and Lesotho were among the other countries participating in the programme. The Kenyan officers were drawn from the anti-human trafficking crimes unit in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
During the exercise, special agents from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) equipped the officers with skills on how to apply law enforcement tools effectively, improve victim identification and protection, and collaborate with victim service providers.
