Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Emergency Response Team, part of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming regional SWAT Challenge.
The competition, set to take place at Rwanda’s Mayange Tactical Training Ground on January 29th and 30th, 2025, will bring together elite counter-terrorism teams from across Eastern Africa.
“This competition is a great opportunity for us to showcase our training and the professionalism of our officers,” said a DCI official involved in the preparations.
“We are ready to put our skills to the test and represent Kenya on a regional stage.”
The 2025 SWAT Challenge will mark a historic event, as it is the first-ever regional competition organized since the formation of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) in 1998.
The event is expected to foster closer cooperation among the region’s police forces while enhancing their counter-terrorism capabilities.
“This is an important milestone for our region,” said one of the senior coordinators from the DCI.
“By working together, we can enhance our collective efforts to combat terrorism and ensure greater security for our citizens.”
Eight countries will participate in the competition, including the host nation Rwanda, which will field both men’s and women’s teams.
Other countries competing include Uganda, which will also have two men’s teams, along with teams from Djibouti, South Sudan, Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. In total, ten SWAT teams will battle it out in the competition.
“The skills needed to win this challenge go beyond physical fitness,” said a team leader from the DCI.
“Precision, mental toughness, and the ability to work together under pressure will be key.
This event is about more than just competition; it’s about collaboration and strengthening the ties between our nations.”
The competition is designed not only to showcase the physical and tactical capabilities of the teams but also to foster deeper cooperation, synergy, and teamwork among the participating countries.
“This competition serves as a platform to build trust and enhance regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism,” said one of the competition organizers.
The excitement around the event is palpable, with each participating team eager to demonstrate their readiness and commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security.
“We are excited to represent Kenya and show the world the high standards of our Anti-Terrorism Police Unit,” said DCI official.
“We know this event will set the tone for future regional collaboration in addressing security challenges.”
As the teams finalize their preparations, the stakes are high, and the commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure region is stronger than ever.
“We are all united in the goal of a safer East Africa,” said a senior official from the Rwanda National Police. “This event will help us achieve that goal together.”
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