NAIROBI, Kenya- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a specialised seven-week training programme for bomb disposal officers aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to prevent and respond to explosive-related threats.
The Explosive Incident Countermeasures Course, launched at the Border Police Training College in Kanyonyo, brings together officers from the DCI Bomb Disposal Unit and the Administration Police Special Operations Group (SOG).
The programme is being supported by the United States Government through the Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Programme.
In remarks delivered by DCI Director of Personnel Rosemary Kuraru on behalf of DCI Director Mohamed Amin, the agency thanked the US government for sponsoring the training, describing the partnership as key to enhancing Kenya’s specialised counter-terrorism and explosives response capabilities.
Amin said the growing global threat posed by explosive devices required sustained investment in specialised training, operational preparedness and professional excellence.
He said the course reflects the DCI’s commitment to equipping officers with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to counter evolving security threats.
During the seven-week programme, participants will receive instruction on the fundamentals of explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), military ordnance, render-safe procedures, transportation and storage of explosives, alongside other operational competencies.
Upon successful completion of the course, the officers will qualify as Basic Bomb Technicians.
Kuraru urged participants to approach the training with discipline, humility and commitment, saying the expertise they acquire could help save lives, protect fellow officers and prevent devastating attacks.
She also commended the Border Police Training College and facilitators from the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme for supporting the development of specialised personnel capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the United States Government, including officials from the Department of State and 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.