Kenya will receive 16 helicopters and 150 armoured vehicles from the United States, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed on Thursday.
This agreement was signed during President William Ruto’s State Visit to the US, the statement disclosed.
The donation includes 150 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to be delivered in September 2024, eight utility helicopters also arriving in September 2024, and eight light utility helicopters scheduled for early 2025 delivery.
“The USA is now donating to Kenya 16 helicopters and 150 Armoured Security Vehicles under an agreement signed between the two countries during the President’s State Visit. The specifics are as follows: 150 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, scheduled for delivery in September 2024. 2. 8 utility helicopters, to be delivered in September 2024. 3. 8 light utility helicopters, to be delivered by early 2025,” he informed.
In addition to this military support, Mohamed revealed that the jet President Ruto used for his US visit was provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at a cost of less than KSh10 million.
“This is how nations operate, supporting and partnering with each other for mutual prosperity, and there are plenty of examples to illustrate this,’ he said.
Mohamed noted Kenya’s history of receiving substantial donations from the UAE, including six military-grade Fennec helicopters and three Ecureuil trainer aircraft valued at over KSh4 billion in 2018.
Kenya’s involvement in international partnerships extends to its military efforts, such as sending troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of an East African force to help stabilise the region.
The State House Spokesperson emphasised that the economical use of the UAE-provided jet aligns with President Ruto’s commitment to implementing austerity measures, which aims to ensure Kenya lives within its means and achieves a balanced budget within three years.
“At under KSh10 million, this was the most efficient and economical way for the President and his delegation to undertake a trip of this magnitude.
“The President continues to lead from the front in implementing austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means. He is encouraged by government ministries, departments, and agencies taking the cue and is on course to ensure Kenya records a balanced budget in three years’ time,” he stated.
News Central reports that last week, President Joe Biden hosted Ruto on his first State Visit to the United States, marking the initial visit by an African leader since 2008 and the first by a Kenyan leader in two decades.
However, there were controversies concerning its expenses, particularly as ordinary Kenyans grapple with the burdensome cost of living and a series of tax increases and newly imposed levies by Ruto’s administration.