The Kenyan government has unveiled an ambitious investment in advanced weapons and equipment to modernize its military.
According to the country’s interior ministry, around 7 billion Kenyan shillings ($45 million) will be spent annually for five years to procure tactical vehicles, drones, and other modern defense products.
The first consignment of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, aerial surveillance kits, and personnel protective gear are set to arrive “in the next seven to 10 days,” said interior secretary Kithure Kindiki.
In total, the Kenyan government will earmark 37 billion shillings ($236 million) for the initiative.
Aircraft Purchase
Apart from drones and military vehicles, Nairobi has reportedly ordered aircraft to support aerial missions.
However, unlike the other procured equipment, aircraft will take longer to get into the country because of the so-called lead time.
“It’s going to take maybe late next year for us to be able to get the gunship helicopters that are part of this equipment [procurement] program,” Kindiki explained.
In the meantime, he said the government has upgraded some military aircraft to be used while waiting for the helicopters under order.
President’s Intervention
According to Kindiki, the initial budget for the five-year program had been set at 20 billion Kenyan shillings ($129 million).
The administration of President William Ruto took over at hard economic times, and extra work is needed to secure money for the initiative.
However, due to growing concerns about security challenges, the African nation expanded the budget to accommodate more equipment for the military.