By Ebi Kesiena
Kenya is set to significantly bolster its security operations and peacekeeping missions with the acquisition of 16 US-manufactured helicopters and 150 armored vehicles.
This substantial support comes as part of the cooperation advanced by President Joe Biden’s administration following President William Ruto’s recent state visit to Washington.
On Thursday, the White House confirmed that the 16 helicopters include eight Hueys, aimed at enhancing regional peace and security, and eight MD-500s, designed to support Kenya’s involvement in peacekeeping missions. These aircraft are anticipated to arrive in Nairobi between late 2024 and 2025.
In addition to the helicopters, Kenya will receive approximately 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles from the US Excess Defense Article stocks, which are expected to arrive in September 2024.
The collaboration between the two nations extends to counterterrorism efforts, with a pledge to deepen information-sharing initiatives.
Further strengthening military training and capacity building, for the first time in the summer of 2024, the Kenya Defence Forces will have candidates starting courses at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. This initiative builds on a long tradition where many Kenyan general officers have benefited from US International Military Education Training courses.
