A Kenyan youth group of university students was tasked with making new weapons under a covert operation dubbed the National Security Industrialisation Project. The students who are in their 20s were approached by the National Intelligence Service as revealed by Government Spokesperson Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna.
The young students were lauded for developing security weapons such as the CMZ 4 Assault Rifle, a device that minimizes the impact of improvised explosives and other weapons that are still undisclosed.
"They were recruited from the university with the recommendation of their lecturers.
"Some of them are fresh graduates while others were handpicked straight from lecturer halls while still studying," Oguna told the Daily Nation.
On Friday, October 16, President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Camp Bravo at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Taita Taveta County where the youthful team is hosted, shining a light on the covert group.
The government armed the Kenya Defence Forces with locally-assembled weapons which will see Kenya reduce her reliance on foreign-made firearms.
The President's office is reportedly funding the 700 youth in the program. Reports alleged that the Head of State was keen on distancing the project from political interference.
"Other than what was exhibited in Manyani, I am not at liberty of providing more details on what the young innovators modified and manufactured as the project is sealed, private and confidential," Oguna added.
Kenyatta disclosed that the group was drawn from different specialization fields. The funds from the president's office are also being used to cater to the needs of the youth group.
The KDF's 10th Battle Group (10GB) were equipped with the weapons to be used to counter the militia group Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
The 10GB was sent to Somalia to oversee the withdrawal of Kenyan troops sent on the peacekeeping mission and war against the militia group. The soldiers will ensure that the transition plan takes place smoothly.
