Kenyan Program

Among the possible barriers identified in Phase 1 Kenyan program was a low level of implementation of the existing provisions and procedures in the areas of chemical safety and security, lack of technical standards and dispersion of competences and training facilities among different agencies, what significantly reduces chances to share the experience. To further identify the barriers and to propose concrete measures to overcome them, an inventory was conducted of the already existing knowledge and technology. It was further agreed to continue the train the trainers program to cement the group of Kenyan trainees/experts and provide them with additional experience and knowledge to be shared within the relevant agencies.  

An issue that became evident during the training activities was the need to include small and medium companies as well as the first responders and the crisis management experts in the development of the sustainable training systems to enhance national chemical safety and security level . These first responders should include fire brigades, law enforcement and emergency response medical teams. It is therefore important that the responding national agencies have instant access to (national as well as regional or international) networks of well-established experts in relevant disciplines, who can provide technical advice on measures to be taken (to identify a threat or to remedy a situation) without delay.

For the first time a project of such scale is given clear ownership to the Kenyan Stakeholders. The group of international stakeholders, coordinated by the ICCSS, can assist and ensure the continuity, but it is the Kenyan side that has the clear responsibility of developing the project. A group of international stakeholders does not impose or offer ready solutions on the Kenyan stakeholders. In this project we are constantly learning from each other and identifying the needs of Kenya. We are not trying to impose a “one-size-fits-all” solution. We apply a multi-stakeholder approach, where all the relevant partners bring their relevant experience and capabilities.
The project is based on the principles of sustainability, continuity and modern management and implements them in practice  

A second issue is the fact that thus far, there hasn’t been such wide participation of international stakeholders in a project of such scale. In this project we have stakeholders from Government, Industry, NGOs and Academia. Each of them can bring unique expertise and experience. Until now, this approach has worked very well and allowed also to align the incentives of all stakeholders.

The program on chemical safety and security in chemical activities in Kenya will be based on the principles of sustainability, continuity and modern management and on the basis of public-private partnership.

The Program will be continued to be owned by the Kenyan authorities, and to provide a broad platform for the engagement of all the relevant stakeholders, development and introduction of the legal and administrative provisions, and technical support in the implementation. It will continue to promote the development of effective measures in prevention, preparedness and response against misuse of toxic chemicals.

The program will involve all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, research centers and industry.

The aim is the project was knowledge transfer  to improve security of chemicals in particular  with regard to Chemical Weapons Convention requirements and safety and security of  road transport of dangerous chemicals  and management of across the border traffic of chemicals

Phase 2 project implementation the project (The Working Package 2) implementation will be a part of a coherent “implementation plan” presenting a detailed roadmap for enhancing chemical safety and security in Kenya. It aims at establishing 3 model border and customs crossing points for sea, air and land, at the Kenyan border, to ensure safe and secure transit of  toxic  and restricted chemicals. The model crossing points will function as regular border points. At the same time they will serve as training centres to offer chemical safety and security training for border, customs, and transportation officials. They would offer training on procedures, practices and equipment.   

The Working Package 2 implementation will further support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to be a cooperation platform for all stakeholders (including governments, chemical industries, and international organisations), to diminish chemical threats and enhance chemical safety and security (CSS) in the developing countries.