President William Ruto has announced that the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) will receive equipment from another foreign country.
President Ruto revealed that South Korea committed to offer some of its military equipment to support KDF following his visit in the country where he addressed a summit between Korea and African States.
Ruto was speaking on June 8, 2024, during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Kenya Air Force (KAF) at the Moi Airbase in Nairobi.
According to the Head of State, South Korea committed to also improve some of KDF’s capabilities.
“As I came back yesterday South Korea also committed to improve some of the capabilities and have offered some of their equipment to support the capabilities of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF),” said Ruto.
The Head of State further assured the KDF that his administration is keen on investing in technology for the Ministry of Defense to support the troop’s missions.
Boost for KDF
He announced that the government in coordination with the KDF Command has agreed to train a minimum of 200 Pilots every year beginning next year.
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“We will invest in cutting-edge technology enhance our skills and support your mission both to enhance the capabilities of our Kenya Air both in Kenya and regionally” he added.
On the other hand, the KAF received a boost after the President announced that the government is keen on maintaining Moi Air Base’s status.
He manitaned that no buildings will be allowed to be built beyond the heights provided by the law to ensure that Moi Air Base does not lose its premier position.
“In discussions with the county of Nairobi, we will make sure this facility does not lose its Premier position. We will work with the Nairobi city county, to make sure that all developers. Keep to the standards that we have agreed,” he said.
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The KDF is also set to benefit in a 10 000 housing units project under the housing program, with Ruto saying that they will be granted during the first phase.
“We will continuously walk with the housing fund. And the government of Kenya in general, to make sure. That our Kenya defense was personnel. In all our formations. Have adequate. And proper housing facilities.”
US Military Equipment
The announcement by Ruto on South Korea’s commitment comes days after KDF also secured military equipment from the United States of America which were secured during Ruto’s historic State Visit to the US.
White House in a statement announced that the US committed to delivering 16 new helicopters to the KDF as part of the tangible benefits Kenya is set to receive following the State visit.
Kenya will receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025, according to the White House.
In relation to the commitment, Kenya will also receive 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles.
According to the United States, Kenya selected the military vehicles from U.S. Excess Defense Article stocks, which are projected to arrive in September 2024.
At the same time, White House further revealed that the two countries have committed to collaborating in military Exercises.
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