Tighter security plan for airports in war on terror

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport cordoned off after a fire broke out on August 7, 2014. The National Security Council (NSC) approved the construction of screening facility at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which once complete, will be able to keep away intruders right from the perimeter fence. PHOTO/FILE

What you need to know:

  • The National Security Council (NSC) approved the construction of screening facility at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which once complete, will be able to keep away intruders right from the perimeter fence.
  • The NSC also identified the increased radicalisation and persistent conflicts among pastoral communities as key areas of immediate concern.

The country’s top security organ has approved plans to tighten security in airports and other facilities at raised concerns over increasing radicalisation of the youth.

The National Security Council (NSC) approved the construction of screening facility at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which once complete, will be able to keep away intruders right from the perimeter fence.

This will also include the protection of the Kenya Pipeline Corporation’s jet fuel depot and systems to guard against the threat of anti-aircraft devices on low-flying aircraft.

IMMEDIATE CONCERN

The NSC held its first meeting yesterday at State House Nairobi under the chairmanship of President Kenyatta.

Other members present were Deputy President William Ruto, the heads of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Kenya Police Service, the National Intelligence Agency; as well as the Cabinet Secretaries of the Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Treasury.

The NSC also identified the increased radicalisation and persistent conflicts among pastoral communities as key areas of immediate concern.

It paid particular attention to the threat posed by centres of radicalization, particularly Masjid Musa and Sakina Mosques in Mombasa and Pumwani Riyadha Mosque in Nairobi.

The NSC discussed inter-communal conflicts in Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, Taita Taveta, Kitui and Isiolo counties.

The council also discussed the South Sudan conflict and shortly after, President Kenyatta flew to Juba where he held talks with the country’s leader Salva Kiir.

Speaking in Juba, President Kenyatta while speaking in South Sudan has called for a speedy resolution of the crisis in the country. “Mine is to assure the people of South Sudan that your brothers and sisters in Kenyastand in solidarity with you,” President Kenyatta said. (PSCU)

President Kiir said Kenya is a true friend to the Government and people of South Sudan.