Politics and policy
By CHARLES MWANIKI, cmwaniki@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohamed said last month that Kenya wanted more help with intelligence and security measures from US and European allies to prevent further attacks by the radical Somali movement.
The US has committed billions of shillings to counter
the threat from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group that has killed more
than 400 people since President Uhuru Kenyatta assumed power in 2013.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, who arrived in Kenya on
Sunday, said at a Press conference in Nairobi yesterday that some $100
million (Sh9.4 billion) would this year be spent in the fight against
terrorism and $45 million (Sh4 billion) on the Dadaab refugee camp.
He made the comments after meeting President
Kenyatta at State House. He also laid a wreath at the site of the 1998
bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi, in which more than 200 people
died.
Al-Shabaab last month launched its most deadly attack in Kenya with the massacre of 148 people at Garissa University College.
“I am pleased to announce that the US has just
provided an additional $45 million to the UNHCR for the operations here
in Kenya,” said Mr Kerry.
“This year, a significant $100 million is coming in
additional aid for the fight against terrorism here in Kenya alone,” he
added.
Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohamed said last
month that Kenya wanted more help with intelligence and security
measures from US and European allies to prevent further attacks by the
radical Somali movement.
The United States, along with other Western states, already provides training and other support for the security forces.
“Defeating terrorism requires long- term efforts.
That effort must have the support of religious authorities, educators
and citizens who will discredit hate and help build stronger and more
resilient communities,” Mr Kerry said.
“The success of this strategy depends on building
trust between authorities and local communities, including members of
Kenya’s Muslim communities and Somali refugees in Kenya who fled from
and despise Al Shabaab.”
Mr Kerry met for an hour and a half with Kenyatta
at State House, the last 30 minutes without any aides, according to
reports on Reuters.
He supported Kenya’s military operation in Somalia.
"Al- Shabaab are being pushed back and the
political system is coming alive again, and I respectfully submit to
Kenyans that Kenya will be safer if Somalia is more stable and South
Sudan can resolve its problems," said Mr Kerry.
Mr Kenyatta’s spokesman said on Twitter that
security issues and investment and trade were the focus for the talks in
State House.
No comments :
Post a Comment