The US Embassy in Nairobi held a Joint Readiness Exercise attended by representatives from the Kenyan government and the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

There were simulated explosions, smoke, blank gunfire, fire, and traffic disruptions in the areas surrounding the embassy and Rosslyn Academy.

This is a regular exercise to ensure the security agencies are ready for any such real situation. 

Embassy spokesman Andrew Veveiros said the exercise is aimed at making sure the security agencies are ready for various situations.

“This is the sixth exercise and we continue to work with Kenya in ensuring safety and security of all. It is a depiction of a possible real situation,” he said.

The exercise started with “suspected terrorists” attacking the gate of the school with a suicide bomber detonating before they accessed therein for their mission.

This was preceded by explosions and gunshots for a while.

Then there were responses from various agencies including security, ambulances and hospitals.

The drill caused panic in the area as some mistook it for a real attack.

Kenya has been a victim of various terror-related attacks in the past that left many dead and injured. 

In some of the incidents, the agencies’ response was poor and led to more deaths and destruction. There was poor coordination.

The drill is part of efforts to ensure a coordinated response from the agencies. Edited by D Tarus, Cyrus Ombati, The Star