KK Security invests in dog training

By TheABFortune

Security firm, KK Security has invested in training of dog handling capacity as it plans to expand its Canine Center to tap into the increasing market demand for security dog services.

The move by the security firm is in response to the rising cases of insecurity in the region.

According to Dr. Steve Ndurumo, the Group Manager K9, the investment is expected to raise the standards of security dog handling in the region.

The firm which provides security solutions for commercial, residential, diplomatic, agricultural and construction sites plans to train handlers with skills in dynamics of crime and security as per international standards prescribed by the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) of the United Kingdom.

This is being done through collaboration with Malpeet K9 Academy in Wales, where dog handlers and their dogs are trained.

The company has a specialised unit of explosive detection dogs at its K9 Centre with the capacity to detect explosives in buildings, cars, luggage and open areas.

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Kenya has frequently faced terror threats targeting the general public and institutions, igniting the demand for explosives detection dogs to complement existing security systems in the country.

“We want to enhance our standards where detection dogs are reliable physical and psychological deterrents when teamed up with good handlers to ensure successful identification of harmful devices”, Ndurumo said.

Ndurumo said security evolves every day with criminals becoming more elusive. “There is need to diverse resources by use of security dogs which are now adapting well to these changes”, he added.

Currently the company has more than 500 dogs and plans to increase the capacity of its canine centre for a breeding programme to supplement the supply of imported dogs.

The Boerboel (South African Mastiff) imported from South Africa is the company’s choice for General Purpose / Patrol use. It is also known for its imposing presence, size and hard confidence. “We have also invested in the Springer Spaniel, which is recognized for its small frame and a genetic predisposition for scent detection work”, he added.

He said the dogs are trained in detecting various compounds that make up explosives adding that they use their noses to search and once they detect the target scent their body language and posture changes.

“They become more alert and sit down pointing to the direction of the threat, this is what handlers single out and institute a process of securing and neutralising the threat”, he observed.

Both the dogs and handlers undergo refresher training courses every year to keep up to date with emerging security trends in the market. They also have veterinary clinics and a full time Veterinarian to provide routine medical checks up and emergency services.

The firm’s footprint is in seven African countries including Malawi, Tanzania, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.