Global leader in surveillance defence systems— Selex Sistemi Integrati —is on an aggressive expansion plan into Kenya and East Africa.
The Italian-based company which recently signed a Sh2.7 billion contract with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority(KCAA), last week opened an office in Nairobi to act as a stepping-stone into the region.
The repositioning, the firm says, is due to "growth in demand for surveillance systems in the region". "Due to logistics, Nairobi is a good springboard for anybody planning to enter the regional market," said Paolo Pozzessere, senior vice president for Finmeccaninca—the parent company of SSI.
"Demand for surveillance systems is growing in Sub-Saharan economies in their take off stage compared to the western world."
The company said the move to have an office as opposed to working through proxy is to consolidate its operations.
Trade Minister Amos Kimunya welcomed the move saying it indicates the growing business relations with the Italian government.
"We encourage such trends as it shows the confidence that the Italian government has in Kenya’s business environment," said Mr Kimunya.
The minister spoke when he presided over the opening of the new office early this week.
Demand for land, sea and air surveillance systems have increased in the recent past due to heightened piracy in the Indian Ocean, conflict in Somalia and periodic border tensions between several countries.
Lucrative contracts
The emerging threats have seen the company sign several lucrative contracts in Kenya.
The SSI contract with KCAA, for example, will see the Italian company supply the air traffic controller with primary and secondary radars and automated systems for management of land based movements and navigation aids. The project is expected to complete before the end of the first-quarter of next year.
The new systems, to be installed in Kisumu, Eldoret, Machakos, Pokot and Wajir airports will enable the Civil Aviation effectively manage the country’s air space.
SSI will also train KCCA air controllers on how to operate the technology.
The company has secured a contract to supply police patrol boats to operate in Lake Victoria.The company has offices in Yemen, Nigeria and Angola.
Source: http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1144025290&cid=14
