The United States government on Thursday announced it will gift Kenya 16 refurbished helicopters to bolster the country's security operations.
According to a statement issued by the White House, the 16 helicopters will include 16 Huey choppers and 8 MD-500s.
Despite the agreement, Kenya will formally receive the US-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and mid-2025.
The helicopters are set to be used to enhance Kenya’s ability to provide regional peace and security to help Kenya in peace-keeping missions.
The United States is also making long-term investments in Kenya’s defence capabilities, including building border security capabilities and increasing maritime security awareness.
“The US has invested heavily in Kenya’s defence capabilities, providing over Ksh30 billion ($230 million) in civilian security and defence sector funding since 2020,” a statement from the White House read in part.
To heighten Kenya's efforts to fight against terrorism, the US government and Kenya plan to sign an agreement to expand the Manda Bay Airfield in the Coastal region by building a 10,000-foot runway.
"The expanded facility provides Kenya with the required infrastructure to increase operations against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab," the White House revealed.
Kenya will also receive a Ksh2.4 billion ($18.7 million) fund for counterterrorism and to help build Kenya's criminal justice system’s ability to address terrorism threats.
The funds will also be used to provide training, mentorship, and equipment to investigators, forensic examiners, law enforcement, court officials, and prosecutors.
"The programming also promotes the US strategy on women, peace, and security through specialized training and mentorship for female law enforcement officers in Kenya," the US government announced.
Additionally, the US government announced that Kenya was in the process of joining Operation Gallant Phoenix, a program that advances multinational collaboration and sharing intelligence on terror.
