By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya July 6, 2026 - Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the United States Government have launched a specialised seven-week bomb technician training programme aimed at strengthening the country's capacity to detect, respond to and neutralise explosive threats amid evolving regional and global security risks. The course officially commenced on Monday at the Border Police Training College in Kanyonyo, Kitui County.
The Explosive Incident Countermeasures Course has brought together officers from the DCI Bomb Disposal Unit and the Administration Police Service's Special Operations Group (SOG), who will undergo intensive practical and technical training on handling explosive-related incidents.
The programme is being supported by the United States Department of State through its Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Programme, reflecting the long-standing security partnership between Kenya and the United States in combating terrorism and transnational crime.
Speaking during the launch, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Personnel Rosemary Kuraru, said the growing sophistication of explosive threats requires continuous investment in specialised skills and operational preparedness.
"The expertise acquired could one day save innocent lives, protect fellow officers and safeguard the nation from devastating attacks," Amin said, urging participants to approach the training with discipline, professionalism and commitment.
He also thanked the United States Government for supporting Kenya's security agencies through the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme, describing the initiative as part of an enduring partnership that has strengthened the country's counter-terrorism capabilities over the years.
During the seven-week programme, participants will receive advanced instruction in the identification and handling of explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), military ordnance, render-safe procedures, explosive transportation, storage protocols and other specialised operational techniques required in bomb disposal operations.
Officers who successfully complete the course will qualify as Basic Bomb Technicians, enhancing the country's pool of specialised explosive response personnel.
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The launch ceremony was attended by senior Kenyan and U.S. security officials, including representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the Regional Security Office, Border Patrol Unit Commandant Davis Lomwatu, Border Police Training College Commandant Kiplangat Chirchir, Deputy Border Patrol Unit Commandant Edward Achola, and Head of the DCI Bomb Disposal Unit Tom Wafula.
The latest training comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its national security architecture in response to persistent terrorist threats, particularly from extremist groups operating within the Horn of Africa.
Security experts say enhancing bomb disposal and explosive incident response capabilities is critical to protecting civilians, critical infrastructure and security personnel from increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Kenya has worked closely with international partners, particularly the United States, to build specialised investigative, forensic and counter-terrorism capabilities through joint training, intelligence sharing and technical assistance.
The new bomb technician course is expected to further enhance operational readiness while improving coordination among specialised security units tasked with responding to explosive incidents across the country.