U.S President Donald Trump has cancelled contract for aviation advisors in Kenya worth $3.4 million (Ksh438.6 million).
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk said the contract is among the 47 ‘wasteful contracts’.
In the update on April 3, DOGE said the contracts resulted in a ceiling value of $87.5 million (Ksh11.2 billion) and savings of $30.2 million (Ksh3.8 billion).
“Agencies cancelled 47 wasteful contracts today with $87.5M ceiling value and $30.2M in savings, including a $3.4M Department of State management consulting contract for aviation advisors in Kenya,” reads a statement from DOGE.
U.S. Department of State: $3.4 million in management consulting contract for aviation advisors in Kenya.
This contract fell under a larger effort to provide advisory and technical services to African countries and organizations, as well as to U.S. Embassy country teams.
Advisors provided support that advanced partner nation capabilities in aviation operations, safety and management.
Trump Cuts DRC Contract
On April 2, DOGE also terminated 80 wasteful contracts with a ceiling value of $203.6 million and savings of $139.1 million.
This included a $2.1 million Department of State management consulting contract for a senior advisor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR).
DOGE said taxpayers’ money totalling $13 million was returned to the Treasury on the same day.
Kenya- Aviation U.S Partnership
U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command (USAFE-AFAFRICA) issued a statement on April on the partnership between the US and Kenya through a joint engineering effort at Camp Simba.
Camp Simba is located near the Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay.
USAFE-AFAFRICA said Camp Simba is vital to enhancing interoperability and will enable Kenya’s continued growth as a strategic military partner, with the capacity to maintain security in the region against threats like Al-Shabaab.
“This CE team has been a godsend. There has not been a challenge they haven’t successfully navigated,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Silsbee, 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron senior enlisted leader at Camp Simba Air Force 2nd Lt.
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Michael Martin, 475th Civil Engineer Flight commander, leads a joint-service team of Airmen and engineers from the U.S. Marine Special Operations Command and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, as well as contractors and their Kenyan partners.
Silsbee said their most significant impact was when Martin’s joint-force team integrated with Kenyan Defense Forces to conduct a Somalian humanitarian support operation.
Their rapid response safely adjusted force protection operations and established a critical vehicle search area, ensuring mission success and base security.
This success also demonstrated the ability of the Kenyan military to integrate expeditiously during a real-world event, protecting shared U.S.-Kenyan interests.
“Guidance from my flight chief, Senior Master Sgt. Colin Pierce, a seasoned civil engineer with over 23 years of service, has been instrumental to the flight’s success and my own professional development,” Martin said.
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Role of the Leaders
Together, they oversee daily operations, infrastructure expansion and emergency services for the base, which supports various service branches and partner nations, including elements from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, various U.S. Air Force entities and the Kenyan navy.
“As Manda Bay’s only degreed engineer, I collaborate with my teammate, Master Sgt. Scott Peyton, to manage a substantial construction portfolio, comprising millions in active projects and construction planning,” Martin said.
Manda Bay’s expansion is slated to unfold over the next decade with projects including 294,000 square feet of airfield construction, increased fuel storage capacity and lodging expansion to accommodate hundreds more U.S. service members on a rotational basis.
Runway Tender
In July 2024, the State Department awarded a contract for a 10,000-foot runway capable of supporting more diverse aircraft operations.
This would more than double the current runway length, significantly expanding fighter, reconnaissance and transport aircraft capabilities in the region.
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