Kenya receives Sh220m military boost from US

United State’s military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) yesterday handed over a Sh220 million state-of-the-art personal protective equipment to the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF).

The equipment will provide enhanced defence capabilities during ongoing counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations.

America’s grant includes 6,730 pieces of cutting-edge equipment that will improve the safety and capabilities of KDF service members.

US Embassy Nairobi, the comprehensive donation includes soft body armour and ballistic helmets designed to protect against small arms fire, as well as ballistic plates designed to withstand heavier ammunition.

The advanced protective items are essential for ensuring the security and effectiveness of Kenya’s military personnel, according to the KDF.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command, Major General Juma Mwinyika the goodwill and partnership would go a long way in reinforcing Kenya’s capabilities and readiness to address evolving security challenges in the region.

“What is left is for us at the tactical and operational level is to do much more. At the strategic level, we have good support from the United States,” Maj-Gen Mwinyika said.

The shipment arrived in Kenya on January 22, and was transferred to the KDF’s Kahawa Barracks yesterday.

“This donation underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting the security efforts of our international partners and fostering a free, open, and stable international order,” said Maj-Gen Kenneth Ekman at US AFRICOM.

Kenya had made a request to the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin during his recent historic visit in September 2023. The visit was the first to Kenya by a US Secretary of Defence in 47 years.

Regional peace

The US has also said they are committed to partnering with Kenya to ensure regional peace and stability, and also to working collaboratively with African partners to promote security, prosperity, and the well-being of people across the continent.

Last week, the US Marine Corps Gen Michael Langley, and Africom commander, travelled to Nairobi and met Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Gen. Francis Ogola, as well as Meg Whitman, the US Ambassador to Kenya.

They conducted troop engagements and visited Manda Bay as well, before departing to Somalia.
The leaders reaffirmed their strong bilateral security relationship and discussed areas for future cooperation.

Kenya’s military has been involved in regional security operations especially Somalia. On the eve of new year, CS Duale and Gen Ogolla visited the Kenyan troops serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Kismayo.

The region is among those largely being controlled by al shabaab militants. They usually breach security to attack despite ongoing campaigns to address the menace.

Officials said the visit was aimed at boosting morale of the soldiers and appreciate their noble efforts in contributing to peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Support operations

Duale said KDF troops are known for their professionalism, integrity and discipline which has endeared them to numerous peace support operations in the region, the continent and globally.

The two with their teams met the second Vice President, Security Minister Abdikadir Haji Mohamud and the Somali National Army/Jubaland Security Forces (SNA/JSF) Commander who made a broad presentation of the security situation in Jubaland.

They later received a briefing from both the Sector Commander in charge of Sector 6 and the Commanding Officer in charge of 2 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (MIB).