The first Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) Coast Regional Headquarters and Mombasa Police Station, valued at KES81 million, were officially opened by the British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, and Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr. Fred Matiang’i.
The ATPU will have a designated area inside the police station to work on terrorism cases.
Additionally, it will give the general public direct access to the ATPU, raising awareness of their mission and fortifying ties with the neighbourhood.
The building’s design has placed a priority on upholding international norms including the Mandela Rules and respecting human rights.
The station has a secure detention area with separate cells and private restrooms for adults, children, and minors.
It demonstrates the joint dedication of Kenya and the UK to the rule of law and universal human rights.
Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, stated:
The UK’s top security ally in East Africa is Kenya.
This partnership’s main goal is to improve the criminal justice system’s capacity to combat terrorism in accordance with global human rights norms.
The UK collaborates with various criminal justice pathway participants, such as investigators, detention supervisors, prosecutors, and judges, who are all essential to thwarting and deterring terrorist activity.
One of the biggest dangers to our nations is terrorism.
I am happy to provide roughly KES 1 billion [£7 million] to Kenya annually to help the country combat this threat.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i, cabinet secretary for the interior ministry, said:
The UK-Kenya Security Compact and the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership 2020–2025, through which the British High Commission collaborated with the Government of Kenya to establish this contemporary, purpose-built police station with detention facilities for ATPU Coast in Mombasa, are both commended by our government.
We have steadily increased our capacity to combat terrorism and other international crimes with the aid 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.
The structure features nine holding cells for men, women, and juveniles, each with a set bed, a contemporary bathroom, and sufficient ventilation.
It also has storage facilities, conference rooms, IT rooms, server areas, armouries, and CCTV rooms.
The UK has assisted the ATPU with a number of initiatives over the past year, including trainings in witness interviews, IEDs, gender sensitivity, and terrorist financing, as well as the delivery of a globally recognised Training of Trainers programme.
We are happy to keep providing support for specialised skills training at this building in the future.
The building features specialised spaces for the many ATPU teams, including forensics, evidence processing, and investigations, allowing them to collaborate under one roof.
Additionally, it contains a multi-agency room where the ATPU can welcome guests and collaborate closely in a safe setting with other international and national security organisations.
Additionally, the ATPU has access to a training facility to help staff members become more proficient in crucial areas.