Bomb detection units have been donated to Kenya’s airports in response to heightened terror attacks in the East African country.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated the bomb detection units which are dubbed the ‘20 IONSCAN 400B Desktop Explosive Trace Detection’ devices.
The units are able to detect chemicals and other explosive materials used in bomb making in luggage and carry-on bags in under 8 seconds. The unit can also detect narcotic substances.
Kenya has been the target of attacks from Somali militant group al Shabaab.
“The donation of these explosive trace detectors, which will help Kenya safeguard its borders and protect its citizens, is another fine example of the deep cooperation between the US and Kenyan governments, a partnership that benefits both our peoples,” Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy Nairobi, Isiah Parnell, said during the handover.
In addition to the Kshs 60 million ($705,000) donation of the equipment, the US Transportation Security Administration has also trained 57 Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) screeners from seven airports across Kenya on how to use the equipment.
“The donation and the training bring security at JKIA to the same level with the other terrorism high risk airports in the world. It brings security at JKIA sufficiently high to assure passengers and all other airport users that the risk to passengers, aircrafts and cargo is minimized to the lowest levels that are achievable anywhere in the world,” cabinet secretary in charge of transport, Joseph Kamau said.
The bomb detection units are products of an American technology firm, Smiths Detection who specialise in scanning and security systems. They have helped identify constantly evolving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
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