Kenya is set to bolster its regional peacekeeping efforts with the impending delivery of 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters, announced in a communication from the White House. Scheduled between late 2024 and the summer of 2025, this acquisition comprises 8 Hueys and 8 MD-500s, enhancing Kenya’s capability in maintaining peace and participating in international peacekeeping missions.
The White House communication underscored the significance of the long-standing security cooperation between the United States and Kenya, highlighting Kenya’s pivotal role in East Africa and beyond. This partnership encompasses various facets of security collaboration, including international peacekeeping, peace negotiations, security governance, refugee inclusion, and cybersecurity.
Notably, President Biden has informed Congress of his intention to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally, marking the first such designation for a sub-Saharan African nation. This designation reflects the close and strategic working relationship between the two countries, particularly in military and defense matters.
In addition to the helicopter acquisition, Kenya’s military procurement extends to approximately 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles from U.S. Excess Defense Article stocks, anticipated to arrive in Kenya by September 2024. This procurement further solidifies Kenya’s position as one of the largest beneficiaries of U.S. Foreign Military Sales in Africa.
Furthermore, the communication highlighted the commitment to promoting peace and security, with the U.S. Department of State funding a 12-month training program to establish a mediation/negotiations support unit within the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Peace and Security Directorate.
The United States reiterated its support for Kenya’s plan to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support mission, authorized by a UN Security Council resolution. This deployment aims to provide much-needed security and stability to the Caribbean nation.
Additionally, the communication outlined initiatives to strengthen Kenya’s counterterrorism capabilities, including investment in the criminal justice system and the expansion of the Manda Bay Airfield in coastal Kenya to counter threats posed by groups like al-Shabaab.
Moreover, both countries are committed to deepening cooperation on counterterrorism information sharing and joining Operation Gallant Phoenix to enhance multinational collaboration in addressing the international terrorist threat.
The communication emphasized the broader collaboration between the United States and Kenya, encompassing military exercises, military training, and capacity building. This includes Kenyan candidates starting courses at prestigious U.S. military academies and the deployment of U.S. advisors to support various sectors within the Kenyan military.
