Nairobi — A training centre has been set up in Nairobi to boost demining efforts in Eastern Africa.

The Sh500 million International Mine Action Training Centre at the Embakasi garrison was opened yesterday.

Visiting British minister for Armed Forces Adam Ingram was chief guest at the ceremony also attended by the chief of general staff, Gen Joseph Kibwana, Office of the President assistant minister Mirugi Kariuki and Defence permanent secretary Zachary Mwaura.

Mr Ingram said: "It builds heavily on the success of the training and deployment of Kenyan engineers in Eritrea, and it will be a centre of excellence in every sense of the term."

The centre, whose building was sponsored by the British Government, can accommodate more than 200 people and has lecture facilities, in and outdoor demining areas and offices.

The opening of the centre came as the world's attention was focused both on Africa and mine action, Mr Ingram said, adding that the UK was committed to increased peace and security.

Some 100 Kenyan military engineers were already training at the centre for deployment to the Sudan, to be followed by a 75-strong company from the integrated forces from Sudan.

"Quality training will continue throughout the year, with Kenyans destined for Eritrea and Sudan," Mr Ingram said.

Teams from Uganda and Somalia will also be trained on explosive ordnance disposal and demining, he said.

The centre would help to reduce the suffering caused by mines and explosives, Gen Kibwana said, and thanked the British Government for building the centre.

Two hundred and seventy five deminers, the first battalion from Kenya were deployed in Eritrea where they cleared 500,000 square metres of land for use by locals, he said.

"Explosives were disposed off enabling 20,000 displaced people to return to their farms and continue with economic activities," Gen Kibwana said.

Mr Mirugi said Kenya had destroyed its stock of 35,000 anti-personnel mines.

The Government donated the 110 acres of land on which the institution was built and provided officers to support Britain in offering training.

"The centre will go along way in supporting peace and stability in the region. All affected countries in Africa can use the centre," Mr Mirugi said.

Mr Ingram also revealed that the Commission for Africa, which was established by UK prime minister Tony Blair, would publish its recommendations next month.

The recommendations will guide what the UK and Africa hope to achieve jointly this year and Mr Blair's expected "achievable targets".