The United States Agency for
International Development is “permanently” relocating some staff members
from Kenya, an official has said.
“We have decided to
permanently relocate some US government personnel, including USaid
staff, who work primarily on regional programmes, to other regional
centers in Africa,” Mr Matt Herrick said, declining to specify the
number of employees affected.
He did not comment on
whether “permanently” means that USAid staff will not return to Kenya if
security is judged to have improved but noted that “the relocation
order does not apply to USaid personnel involved in bilateral programmes
with the Kenyan government.”
The Peace Corps will
maintain its 70-plus volunteers while continuing to “closely monitor the
security environment in Kenya,” he added.
The volunteers have been in the country for more than a year.
TERROR ATTACKS
They
have developed “strong language and cross-cultural skills that allow
them to move about safely,” Mr Herrick said adding that the program has
implemented “specific policies and procedures designed to ensure their
continued security.”
The US embassy in Nairobi has also heightened security amid recent terror attacks in the country. Last week, the Nation reported that an unspecified number of embassy staffers were relocated. (READ: US flies out embassy staff)
Those
remaining are restricted in their travels within the country. The
embassy also declared Nairobi's Eastleigh, much of the Coast and
Northeastern parts of the country as no-go zones for US personnel.
The State Department also indicated last week that the US will be sponsoring fewer conferences and training sessions in Nairobi.
US
Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec however said these moves do not
signify a lesser commitment to Kenya's security and development. (READ: US reassures Kenya on fight against terrorism)
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