UK closes Mombasa Consulate over security fears

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13 – The United Kingdom on Friday shut down its Honorary Consulate in Mombasa over security concerns.
News Keydmedia Online
UK closes Mombasa Consulate over security fears

A statement on the UK government website said all consular services will be offered from the High Commission in Nairobi.

The UK was among the first European nations to issue a travel advisory to its citizens, leading to the evacuation tourists from the coastal city by tour operators, for fear of attacks.

The Kenyan government has advocated against such advisories, and instead urged the concerned nations to work closely with security agencies in mitigating terror threats.

To ensure the security has been enhanced, the government has made massive allocations to improve security in the 2014-15 financial year.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich on Thursday said Sh62.2 billion has been set aside for policing services, Sh71.3 billion for the Kenya Defence Forces and Sh17.4 billion for the National Security Intelligence.

Presenting the 2014-15 Budget statement to the National Assembly, he stated that the move was aimed at ensuring the country is fully secured against threats experienced in recent months.

Rotich also said to enhance police mobility, the Government will spend Sh6.7 billion to lease 2,700 motor vehicles and aircraft.

“This will enhance ground patrol and crime response by the police in the country,” he stated. “Through this budget, we have continued to prioritise the strengthening of our security systems.”

He highlighted key programmes that are being rolled out, among them enhancement of surveillance in the country through installation of CCTV cameras in major cities across the country.

To increase police numbers, he announced that the government will use Sh2.9 billion for police recruitment and training.

Some 10,000 police officers will be recruited adding to the 8,000 officers who graduated this year.

To enhance police operations, the government will use Sh3.3 billion and Sh3.5 billion for upgrade of police equipment and modernisation.

The National Police Service have also been allocated Sh1.3 billion to cater for police housing saying that this will “empower officers to live in dignity.”

For enhancing security at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he has set Sh1.3 billion.

Mombasa and Nairobi has been the worst hit by terror attacks linked to the Al Shabaab militia.

Capital News


 

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