Exploration boom creates a well-oiled security sector

Irish security consultants are cashing in on Africa's booming exploration sector as multinationals turn to them for advice on protecting their operations from terror attacks, tribal conflict and corruption

OVER ARMED, OVER THERE: Kenyan police last week found explosives after a series of raids on three mosques in Mombasa, Kenya. They arrested more than 150 people suspected of being supporters of al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab

Simon Rowe

Irish security consultants have struck gold in east Africa as a growing number of multinational firms involved in the region's booming exploration sector are turning to them for advice on how to protect their operations and staff from terror attacks, tribal conflict and widespread corruption.

One year on from the Westgate Mall attack that killed more than 65 people in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, threat levels from the likes of al-Qaeda-backed militant group al-Shabaab and feuding warlords remain high in the region.