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Terror-level in northern Kenya ‘currently very high’

Friday, December 20th, 2019 20:36 | By

The Kenya Army camp established in Garissa will boost the force's ability to fight terror in the region and other external land based aggressions.

The terror threat level, according to the latest intelligence brief, is currently very high.  

The 6 Brigade, one of the Infantry Formations in the Kenya Army, is made up of three elite fighting units, the 17 Kenya Rifles at Modika, 19 Kenya Rifles in Nyali Barracks and 21 Kenya Rifles in Mariakani Barracks.

The location of Modika Barracks, which was commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 13, is to enhance presence in North Eastern region to secure it and the border with Somalia.

“The barracks will greatly reduce the response time in dealing with criminal and terrorist groups and is expected to reduce cross border incursions and attacks in the area thereby improving security in the greater North Eastern Region,” DoD headquarters said.

The 6 Brigade and 17th Battalion relocated from Embakasi to Modika. President Kenyatta has also said that numerous other military installations will be set up across the North eastern region to deal with the threat of terrorism.

"Similar programmes will in the near future be rolled out to other regions in order to align with overall security strategy," Defence headquarters said.

The Department of Defence (DoD) also said the Kenya Army will continue to adapt to the ever-changing threat environment by broadening its skills, technological and capacity portfolio.

The unit's official colour is purple, a colour it was given in June 2018.

On December 12, 2018 the unit conducted consecration of Presidential and Regimental Colour Parade at Nyayo Stadium where President Uhuru Kenyatta officially handed over colours to the unit.

The Brigade's motto is 'Desert Scorpions' and the motto is 'Desert scorpions' derived from the current location of the unit which is a semi-arid area.

The 6 Brigade is headed by Brigadier Paul Njema while 17th Battalion is headed by Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Ptiony.

According to the DoD headquarters, the Modika Barracks is also expected to deal with the Galjeel militia in the area who have been recruited into Alshabaab and are masterminding attacks in the region.

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