United States has partnered with the Ministry of Interior to enhance regional preparedness for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Emergencies.
This is to be discussed in a multi-country workshop that is being held in Naivasha for two days.
In a Monday, September 18 statement by the US Embassy in Nairobi-Kenya, the United States noted that several countries including Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the US are participating in the workshop.
Moreover, the representatives from departments of the affected ministries in each country discussed how to coordinate a joint response to a CBRN emergency.
“Participants shared best practices for CBRN preparedness and incident response with one another. They participated in a table-top exercise that simulated a coordinated response to an emergency,” the embassy stated.
Importance of CBRN
- Need to invest in CBRN preparedness.
- The importance of continued exercises to practice responding to a major crisis,
Also Read: Kindiki Sounds Warning After Slaughter of Kawira Mwangaza’s Cow
- The value of working together with regional partners to add support to foreign assistance to save lives, protect the environment, and minimize harm to all communities.
Additionally, participants were encouraged to explore potential areas for future response cooperation regionally based on the response capabilities and gaps of the participating nations.
“In times of major crisis, regional collaboration and timely sharing of information is critical to an effective and rapid response,” the statement reads in part.
The US Embassy Nairobi Export Control and Border Security advisor Scott Ross stated that the United States is proud to help Kenya and other regional partners as they plan and lay the foundation for a robust regional emergency response partnership.
Mr. Scott noted that the partnership will save lives and enhance regional security.
Further, the workshop is designed to enhance international cooperation to deter and defend against the increasing use of CBRN weapons globally.
Also Read: JUST IN: Court Rules on Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s Fate
Similarly, the embassy stated that United States values its partnership with Kenya in CBRN preparedness, and strongly supports regional efforts that enhance and promote cooperation and regional stability.
“This partnership between Kenya and the USA exemplifies the spirit of international collaboration and solidarity in addressing global challenges,” said Dr. Duncan Ochieng, the Director of the Kenyan National Disaster Management Unit.
Nonetheless, CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear, encompassing threats related to toxic chemicals, biological agents, ionizing radiation, and nuclear events.
These hazards can cause harm to people and the environment and require preventive and responsive measures for public safety.
