State will invest heavily in technology to beat terror threats – Matiangi

The government will continue investing heavily in technology to overcome any international terrorism threats, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred  Matiang’i has said.

He said terrorism remains a global phenomenon and the Kenyan government is keen on beating any technological advancements employed by terrorists.

The CS added that terrorists had devised new ways of launching attacks using technology hence the need for the government to remain ahead of the attackers.

“We cannot leave anything to chance. Terrorists are not asleep, they are devising new ways of extending their activities and as such we want to stay ahead of them,” he said.

Matiang’i was addressing journalists Friday at Mombasa police headquarters after he inspected the ongoing construction of an ultramodern Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) facility that will serve the coast region.

He called for enhanced collaboration to handle terrorist threats.

“We need to work hand-in-hand, and strengthen the fight against terrorism with other countries to remain united against a common enemy,” he said.

The project is funded by the United Kingdom at a cost of Sh60 million. 

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot said the UK was committed to helping Kenya fight terrorism to protect both the British citizens and the locals.

“Terrorism is an international problem; it’s a menace that the two countries share, therefore, the UK is very pleased to fund the new building of ATPU here in Mombasa,” she said.

“We have seen in recent years and months the effects of terrorism. It has also struck us in the UK and it has struck us here in Kenya and this calls for the need to remain united against the Al-Shabaab threats,” added Marriot