Kenya just spent $106 million dollars on US made choppers as battle against terrorism heats up

david nganga

July 20, 2017 10:49 AM

The two helicopters will help Kenya strengthen its combat capabilities against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

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Kenya’s war against terror has received a major boost after it received two state-of-the-art helicopters from the US.

The American government on Wednesday delivered the last two of eight Bell Huey II helicopters to the Kenya Air Force estimated to be worth a whopping $106 million.

The helicopters, six of which were delivered last December, are mostly used for deployment of troops to battlefields.

They are expected to bolster Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) capacity to combat Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants who have recently staged increased attacks in Kenyan towns of Lamu, Garissa and Mandera.

“They will bolster the KDF’s capacity to combat Al-Shabaab, an effort that will bring more stability and peace to East Africa,” said the US embassy in Nairobi.

The helicopters have an exceptional capacity to operate in hot and high-elevation environments, while being rugged enough to endure extended operations with minimal maintenance.

The delivery comes six months after Kenyan troops received a package of America-made spy aircraft ScanEagle at a cost of $9.86 million to conduct real-time surveillance.

US Ambassador to Kenya said the United States values the Kenyan commitment to building a more peaceful and secure Kenya and East Africa region.

“Our military cooperation with Kenya is one of the deepest and most important security relationships for the United States in all of Africa. We work to build our mutual security and peace throughout the region so that both of our countries are safer and more secure,” said Mr. Godec.

US remains a key partner to Kenya in the fight against terrorism having provided over $115 million n military equipment and assistance to the Kenyan military in the past year alone.

david nganga