The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of State have partnered together to assist Kenya in creating the first-ever Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to be located outside of the United States.
In a release by the American investigative body on February 10, 2020, the FBI announced the partnership which they indicate ropes in the Kenyan security agencies is to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
“The FBI is proud to have the opportunity to work with our Kenyan law enforcement partners on this initiative. 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," Assistant Director of the International Operations Division Charles Spencer was quoted.
Under this initiative, 42 selected Kenyan investigators will receive a 12-week intensive counterterrorism training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The team will then adopt methodologies used by U.S.-based JTTFs and be trained to handle sensitive counterterrorism intelligence shared with the Kenyan government.
The FBI announced that the investigators will be trained and equipped to investigate all terrorism matters deemed of significant importance to Kenya’s National Security Council.
Upon completion of the course, the JTTF-K officers will return to Kenya, where they will be assisted by an FBI special agent mentor.
The FBI also indicated that when investigations into suspected terrorism incidents are complete, the suspects would be tried in Kenyan courts in accordance with the Kenyan constitution and international treaties.
DCI boss George Kinoti appreciated the US' efforts to help the country combat terrorism.
"I appreciate the effort and resources the FBI and Department of State have dedicated toward improving the capabilities of our officers through training, experience, and insight.
"Due to globalization and the rapid advancement in technology, terrorists and their sympathizers have also changed tactics and devised new methods to further their agenda
Endeavors such as the Kenyan Joint Terrorism Task Force will allow for a multi-agency approach to achieve common objectives and assist us in obtaining the upper hand against the enemy," he stated.
