EASF Receives Rapid Deployment Kits

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EASF Receives Rapid Deployment Kits

The Danish Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Ambassador Ole Thonke, handed over Rapid Deployment Kits (RDK) worth about USD 36,000 to the Eastern African Standby Force Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi on 25th May 2021.

The EASF Director Brig. Gen. Getachew Shiferaw received the kits and thanked the ambassador and the Government of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark for such support that EASF highly requires in its capacity enhancement endeavors.

In his handover speech, Amb. Ole Thonke commended EASF on its tireless efforts in promoting peace and security in the Eastern Africa region and beyond. He underscored the current Full Operational Capability (FOC) status which the Standby Force attained in 2014.

The ambassador added that these RDKs are important especially for civilians during mission deployments. Each RDK contains satellite phones, GPS navigation equipment, first aid kits, survival food packs (for a team of four people for up to 72 hours) and other safety tools that can serve during mission deployments. Perishable consumables can be replenished on needs’ basis after their respective expiry dates.

The Government of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark has been providing financial, material and technical advisory support to EASF through the International Advisory and Coordinating Staff (IACS) housed within the Secretariat.

Photo Gallery: EASF Receives Rapid Deployment Kits

EASF Director Brig. Gen. Getachew Fayisa (left) holds talks with the Danish Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ole Thonke at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi on 25th May 2021.
Director Brig. Gen. Fayisa addresses the Rapid Deployment Kits' handover ceremony at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi on 25th May 2021.
The Danish Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ole Thonke delivers his keynote address to EASF staff and guests present during the Rapid Deployment Kits' handover ceremony at the EASF Secretariat.
Amb. Ole Thonke (left) with the Defence Attache at the Danish Embassy in Nairobi Col. Joern Rasmussen, who is also the Chairperson of the Friends of EASF.
EASF Director Brig. Gen. Getachew Fayisa (second from right), the Head of Peace Operations' Department Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke (right), Amb. Ole Thonke (2nd from left) and the Defence Attache at the Danish Embassy Col. Joern Rasmussen are given an overview of the kits by the International Advisory Staff Coordinator Mr. Peter Horne Zartsdahl on 25th May 2021.
The contents of each kit have been compiled to support a team of four persons in an emergency situation for up to 72 hours.
The International Advisory Staff Coordinator Mr. Peter Horne Zartsdahl explains the purpose of each component to the audience during the handover ceremony on 25th May 2021.
Director Brig. Gen. Fayisa together with the Danish Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ole Thonke cut the ribbon on the stairway leading to the Rapid Deployment Kits' storage area on 25th May 2021.
EASF Director Brig. Gen. Fayisa with the Danish Ambassador H.E. Ole Thonke with one of the Rapid Deployment Kits donated by the Government of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark.
Director Brig. Gen. Fayisa with the Danish Ambassador H.E. Ole Thonke (left) and International Advisory Staff Coordinator Mr. Peter Horne Zartsdahl exchange a few words after the successful completion of the Rapid Deployment Kits' handover ceremony at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi on 25th May 2021.