Kenya police receives equipment from the UK government
The British Government has donated equipment to the Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU) which will significantly enhance their ability to patrol and monitor the challenging terrain along Kenya’s borders.
The equipment, valued at total of £600,000, consists of three secure High Frequency radios, 23 vehicles and 55 trauma medical packs.
Speaking at the handover, the British High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Christian Turner said,
“Today’s gifting of crucial equipment to the Rural Border Patrol Unit will have a significant impact upon the unit’s ability to secure the border. Recent insecurity in Kenya’s border areas has demonstrated how important their efforts are. UK and Kenya have a shared interest in countering security threats-and this is a clear demonstration of that partnership The UK supports President Uhuru Kenyatta’s vision of a fully-equipped and resourced police service to provide security for all the people of Kenya.”.
In 2012, the High Commission donated two troop carrying trucks, two water-bowsers, 37 VHF secure radios and 12 hand-held metal detectors to the Kenyan Government for use by the RBPU on the Kenya-Somali border.
The basic equipment cost is totalled at £600,000. The vehicles are £530,000, Radios £55,000 and medical kits £15,000. A breakdown of the equipment handed over:
*3 x secure HF data radio sets to help establish a County AP Operations Rooms in Mandera, Wajir and Lamu),
*23 vehicles for use along the Kenya-Somali border: 16 patrol vehicles, 4 4x4 ambulances, 2 water-bowsers and a troop carrying truck,
*55 small patrol trauma medic packs (including tourniquets, bandages, chest seals and gloves