Kenya has secured a number of deals from the United States of America to beef up security within and across the region. The deals announced during President William Ruto’s State visit to the USA forms part of long-term investments in Kenya’s defense capabilities.
- In September 2024 for instance, the country will receive 150 armored security vehicles from the United States of America.
- Kenya will also receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025 to bolster its ability to provide regional peace and security and participate in peacekeeping missions.
- The US has invested over $230 million in civilian security and defence sector funding in the last four years.
“The United States is making long-term investments in Kenya’s defense capabilities, including by building border security capabilities, increasing maritime security awareness, improving peacekeeping capacity, supporting humanitarian response, and strengthening civilian and military defense institutions,” according to a statement from the White House.
The deals also include expanding the Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu by building a 10,000-foot runway. The expanded facility provides Kenya the required infrastructure to increase operations against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
The US State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism also announced $18.7 million to help build the Kenyan criminal justice system’s ability to address terrorism threats. The funds provide training, mentorship, and equipment to investigators, forensic examiners, law enforcement, court officials, and prosecutors. The program will also provide specialized training and mentorship for female law enforcement officers engaged in counterterrorism efforts and capacity-building measures.
Kenya Set to become non-NATO ally
President Joe Biden has also informed Congress of his intention to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally. This designation is granted by the United States to countries with close and strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and defense civilians, allowing for such benefits such as priority delivery of military equipment. Only three other countries, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco have the same designation on the continent.
The Biden administration is the biggest funder, and most vocal supporter, for Kenya’s planned deployment of police officers to pacify Haiti under the UN’s Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). Kenya will provide 1,000 of the 2, 500-strong force, with other countries including Barbados, Bangladesh, and Chad pledging to send police officers as well.
Kenya, US Ink Multiple Investment Deals During President Ruto’s State Visit – Kenyan Wall Street
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