| Forum aimed at discussing pressing security concerns affecting the East African region |
Securing critical infrastructure has become crucial in recent years for companies operating within risk areas. Senior level security experts from oil and gas and construction companies gathered three weeks ago in Nairobi to discuss pressing security concerns affecting the East African region.
The meeting was opened on the first day by Charles Mbuvi, Head of Security at VIVO Energy Africa, who also chaired the second day of the conference. His Keynote Address examined current and emerging security challenges that the energy sector is facing in this region, including examples of the latest incidents and the evolving risk landscape in the area.
The Forum also addressed the importance of community engagement, with a panel discussion focused on best practices for cooperating with local communities. Experts from ASIS International, Maersk Kenya, and the Institute of Professional Security Studies participated in the discussion moderated by the Chairman of Day 1, Rob Phayre, Security Manager of BG Group. They analysed drivers of violence and insecurity in the region, the importance of coordination with the host countries, and all potential challenges associated with community engagement.
Day 2 of the Forum included an insightful presentation by Leonardo Hoy-Carrasco, Maritime Crime Hostage Support and Government Mentor on Maritime Strategy at UNODC, on the hostage situation in Somalia. Mr Hoy-Carrasco gave an update from the UN hostage support programme that looked at current threats, captivity, release, recovery, repatriation and post-capture care.
On the afternoon of the second day, Silvester Kasuku, Director General/CEO of LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, delivered a case study on security challenges for building and operating the LAPSSET transport corridor. The presentation provided an update on the project development, potential security threats, and protection planning against terrorist activity. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion with the audience who commented that it would be excellent if the Heads of LAPSSET project and Regional Heads of Security could work more closely together.
The meeting offered exceptional networking opportunities for delegates coming from major oil and gas and construction companies operating in the Eastern region of Africa. The senior level speaker faculty included eminent personalities from VIVO Energy Africa, Kenya Maritime Authority , Maersk Kenya, ASIS International, CNOOC Uganda, BG Group, Kenya Ports Authority, ABB, Control Risks, Security Research & Information Centre Nairobi, Windward, Warrior Security, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Institute of Professional Security Studies, amongst many others.
The East Africa Energy Infrastructure Security Forum 2015 was sponsored by the integrated risk solutions provider, Warrior Security, and the maritime data analysis specialist, Windward. The Forum was supported by the Security Research Information Centre (SRIC). IRN also partnered with East Africa Children’s Hope, a charity organisation that supports vulnerable and orphaned children in East Africa, with a particular emphasis on supporting ventures encouraging the self-sustainability of organisations led by East Africans.