Kenya to have security, health centre with EU's $65 help

The European Union Friday said it will provide 65 million dollars to build a new regional security and health center in Kenya.

The center, to be located in Nairobi, will be used to prevent and manage a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attack, Xinhua quoted EU Ambassador to Kenya Lodewijk Briet as saying.

Countries that will be involved in the center include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

"A year after the Westgate tragedy and with current threats like Ebola, and in partnership with Kenya, I am pleased to confirm the go-ahead for this important facility, which will improve security and disaster response across the region," Briet said in a statement issued here.

"This demonstrates our support to our close ally, Kenya, on critical security issues that matter to a rapidly developing and globalising country and region," Briet said.

He said the new facility is part of a broader strategy of security cooperation that the EU provides to Kenya and the region, which includes countering violent extremism and reduction of small arms, and an EU naval force that tackles piracy in the Indian Ocean and developing stability in Somalia.

The establishment of the new center comes amid increased terror attacks in Kenya.

Briet said the east African nation has proven its role as a regional leader in many areas, adding that security cooperation from Europe remains steadfast.

"A programme of training will be provided by experts from the EU in disaster management over the coming two years, and is likely to include live exercises in responding to terrorist attacks," Briet said.

EU will contribute advisory and training staff, while the Kenyan government will provide staffing and office space for the center.