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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) yesterday launched the construction of a modern Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) centre in Embakasi to boost the forces’ ability to fight terror.

Britain and Germany have partnered with Kenya to build the training centre at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in the military’s Embakasi college which seeks to enhance the capacity of the security officers to protect themselves, defeat IEDs and attack the network building these devices.

“Al Shabaab has become one of the Africa’s deadliest terrorist groups through its increasingly sophisticated use of IED.

These devices pose the greatest threat to KDF and troops from other contributing countries who are fighting Al Shabaab as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM),” the UK representative said.

The German Deputy Ambassador Thomas Wimmer, who was the chief guest during the laying down of cornerstone of the wing yesterday, said they were investing Sh300 million in the first phase for building the centre which has 12 buildings, and is expected to be done by a Kenyan company.

The highly modern innovative centre will have all facilities implying that all participants can remain in the HPSS premises during their courses.

“IED are killers. They do not only kill soldiers but also police officers and civilians.

That is the reason why Germany is willing to finance the new Counter-IED wing. It really helps prevent the people from being killed, crippled and injured,” he said.

He added the centre will not only boost training among military and civilian personnel on how to detect and counter explosives but also build strong ties between the two countries.