Britain, Kenya pledge cooperation to combat terrorism

The British government will strengthen cooperation with Kenya in the fight against terrorism that poses serious challenge to socio-economic progress in the east African nation.

Visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said on Thursday London will assist Nairobi to combat homegrown and external security threats.

"The scourge of terrorism is a threat to all of us, hence the need to stand united in order to defeat this evil. We need to cooperate with allies like Kenya to enhance security," Hammond said in Nairobi during a business roundtable organized by Kenyan and British chambers of commerce.

Somalia based militants Al-Shabaab have launched attacks inside Kenya since 2011 when the country's troops were deployed to the horn of African state.

According to government statistics, nearly 1,000 Kenyan civilians and security officers have died from terror attacks in the last four years. The recent terrorist attacks in northern Kenya have sent shockwaves in the country and abroad.

During his address to business leaders, the British Foreign Secretary noted that terrorism posed mortal threat to Kenya's economic growth.

"Al-Shabaab is a threat to both Kenyan and British interests," Hammond told business executives, adding that terrorism is a global challenge hence the need for cooperation to defeat this menace.

The Kenyan foreign minister Amina Mohammed said Kenya will not relent in the war against terrorism.

"Terrorism is a threat to peace and economic development in Kenya and the region. Strong partnerships with bilateral partners are crucial to strengthen the war against terror," Mohammed said. Endi