Israel pledges to help Kenya fight terrorism

The Israeli government Thursday vowed to collaborate with Kenya to tackle terrorism threats in the country.

Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Shallom Charles Cohen told a press conference in Nairobi that Kenya is facing imminent terror threat from the Al Shabaab extremists, and noted Israel is willing to cooperate with Kenya to combat terrorism activities in the country, Xinhua reported.

"We are ready to help Kenya to fight terrorism when we are told to do so. Israel is willing to overcome security challenges faced by Kenya on the war against terror," Cohen said.

The envoy said the country needs to reposition its security machineries by not only deploying heavy security personnel along the borders but also investing on hi-tech to fight terror activities across the country.

Cohen lamented the latest terror activities experienced in Kenya, especially in Mandera in northern region that had claimed some 64 lives of Kenyan civilians.

The Israeli ambassador said he was aware of the security challenges faced by Kenyan state along the Kenya-Somalia border points, adding that terrorism activity is not only a Kenyan problem but a global challenge which requires attentions.

"We are optimist to assist Kenya fight terrorism when asked for our intervention. Terrorism is not a Kenyan problem alone but a global challenge. We are working together to tackle this new danger of international terrorism," he said.

The envoy's remarks came as the Kenyan government tabled in parliament a raft of proposals to amend security laws which bestow more powers to the state and security agencies to help thwart terror activities in the country.

The Security Laws Amendment Bill 2014 tightens surveillance on terrorists and other criminal elements as well as stipulates stiffer penalties against people deemed to be a threat to national security.