The European Peace Facility (EPF) on Monday, June 24, announced that it had for the first time adopted assistance measures for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The EPF Council revealed that it was advancing Ksh2.7 billion in the form of monetary assistance as well as sophisticated military equipment.
Kenya is being advanced the support as a means to enhance operational capabilities to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
This will ensure KDF has the capability to protect the civilian population against internal and external threats.
The military equipment Kenya will receive includes; tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, non-lethal interceptors and jammers and systems to defeat improvised explosive devices.
Other equipment are electronic warfare means and cross-country tactical military-type vehicles.
Specifically, the equipment will be handed to the Kenya Army infantry combat units and their related combat support and combat service support units.
“The European Peace Facility will finance equipment and related supplies and services, including technical training where needed,” the Council noted.
“The assistance measure will also contribute to securing border areas and countering increased Al-Shabaab’s operations along the border with Somalia.”
Apart from the weapons, the EPF will provide related supplies and services including technical training for KDF soldiers.
KDF will also have a medical post whose construction will be fully funded by EPF.
“In addition to that, to support the Kenya Navy's efforts, naval marine units will be equipped with night vision goggles, life vests, and specific personal protective equipment,” EPF announced.
The funding and donations were secured through joint Security and Defence consultations held under the EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue.
The European Union identifies Kenya as a key pillar of peace and stability in the region hence the support.
