Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, accompanied by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, officially opened the Coast Regional Headquarters and Mombasa Police Station of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).
The facility was built and outfitted at a cost of Sh81 million, according to a statement from the British High Commission, which was also involved in the project.
The police station will provide a dedicated space for the ATPU to work on terrorism cases and will give the public direct access to the ATPU.
This is intended to raise awareness of the ATPU’s work while also strengthening its relationship with the local community.
The station has a secure detention area with separate cells and private restrooms for adults, children, and minors.
“We have steadily increased our capacity to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes with the help of our partners. We are very appreciative of the British people, represented by the British High Commission in Nairobi, for their continuous warm and friendly cooperation, especially with regard to counterterrorism” said Matiang’i.
According to Matiang’i, “the facility being launched today features state-of-the-art rooms comprising storage areas, conference rooms, IT rooms, server areas, armoury, CCTV rooms, and 9 holding cells for men, women, and juveniles, all fitted with fixed beds, contemporary toilets, and enough ventilation.”
The Interior Secretary also stated that the government had increased security after receiving intelligence reports that criminal gangs were congregating in the Coast region ahead of the August elections.
The UK has supported the ATPU with a variety of activities over the last year, including training on terrorist financing, witness interviews, IEDs, gender sensitivity, and the delivery of an internationally accredited Training of Trainers program.
The building has designated areas for various ATPU teams handling investigations, evidence analysis, and forensics, allowing them to collaborate under one roof.
It also has a multi-agency room where the ATPU can invite other national security bodies and international partners to collaborate in a secure environment.
A training room was also built to help the ATPU embed key skills in their personnel.
