Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta says his country will set up a new special detention facility for violent extremist offenders.

The facility would prevent jihadists from spreading their extremist ideologies to the rest of the society, he said.

The East African country’s anti-terror law allows security forces to detain people  suspected of terrorist activities for a long period without charge.

Kenya is battling home-grown militants linked to al-Qaeda affiliated terror group, al-Shabaab, based in neighbouring Somalia.

In 2011, Kenyan troops entered Somalia in an effort to sto the jihadists from carrying cross-border attacks and kidnapping people.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of more than 2,000 prison wardens, Kenyatta said his government would provide additional funds to cater for logistical and operational requirements of the prison service.

It is not clear when and where the new prison will be set up.

Kenya contributes more than 4,000 troops to the 22,000-strong African Union force that is in Somalia helping the UN-backed government battle al-Shabab.