MICHUKI LAUDS VISIT TO U.S., RELEASES JOINT

UNCLAS NAIROBI 001926 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ASEC KCRM KE SUBJECT: MICHUKI LAUDS VISIT TO U.S., RELEASES JOINT STATEMENT WITH EMBASSY REF: NAIROBI 1748 ¶1. (SBU) On Thursday May 3, Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security John Michuki called Ambassador to express his appreciation for his Qhighly constructiveQ visit to Washington. He said that he particularly appreciated the high level at which he was received. He told the Ambassador he had already briefed the President on the visit, and that he and the President agreed that the visit had gone a long way to reinforcing U.S.-Kenya cooperation on the range of issues discussed during the visit. ¶2. (U) Following up on the visit, the Embassy and the Government of Kenya released the joint statement below on May 4. BEGIN TEXT: Joint U.S.-Kenya Statement regarding the official visit of the Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security to the United States The Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security Hon. John N. Michuki, accompanied by a Senior Kenyan delegation, visited the United States for meetings with senior U.S. officials between 25th and 27th April, 2007. The purpose of the visit was to discuss ways to enhance the U.S.-Kenyan partnership in efforts to combat insecurity in all its forms. The discussions were frank and productive. Both sides agreed that they share a common interest in combating crime and terrorism in order to strengthen democracy in Kenya and to promote stability in the Horn of Africa. The United States plans to assist Kenya through the following programs valued at over $14 million: - Training and equipment of various Kenyan law enforcement and security programs, $5.5 million - Training and equipping of four coastal security patrol units, $1.5 million - Construction of Coastal Maritime Training Facility on Camp Manda, $3 million - Through Port Security Initiative, provide training on security management and planning at Mombasa, $450,000 - Grant of two boats with equipment for Mombasa Port, $260,000 - Provision of secure IT network and case management project for ATPU, $2.08 million (over two years) - Support of cyber forensics lab and cyber crime training, $1.24 million (over two years) - Border Control Management course to enhance operational planning skills, $200,000 In addition to the above financial support, the US government agreed to consider further requests for assistance by the Government of Kenya after consulting internally with relevant organs of government. The Kenyan government has committed itself to do everything possible to combat insecurity in a manner consistent with the rule of law. END TEXT RANNEBERGER