Kenya to Receive High-Tech Military Equipment in January

Kenya to Receive High-Tech Military Equipment in January

Kenya to Receive High-Tech Military Equipment in January

Beginning in January 2024, Kenya will be receiving advanced military hardware to combat acts of terrorism and banditry.A statement from Counter Terrorism Policing states that the first shipment of the Ksh7 billion worth of equipment is scheduled to arrive in January 2024. The package consists of surveillance drones, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs).

“This will boost security agencies which are battling Al Shabaab terrorists and bandits in the country,” read the statement in parts.

During an official visit to Tiaty, Baringo County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki disclosed on Tuesday that Ksh37 billion will be allocated by the government over the next five years to modernize the nation’s military hardware. Kindiki said that when allocating the equipment to various government agencies, the government will give preference to regions that are vulnerable to terror attacks and banditry, like Tiaty, Baringo North, and Ngaratuko.

Kindiki claims that the government-ordered aircraft will be in the nation by the end of the next year. He clarified that the government will start the process of restoring the current choppers and deploying them for usage in North Rift while the Ministry waits for the new ones to arrive.

“It’s going to take maybe late next year (2024) for us to be able to get the gunship helicopters that are part and parcel of this equipment program,” he stated.Meanwhile, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP) are specialised military vehicles designed to withstand explosions from mines and ambushes, protecting troops in conflict zones.They typically have a V-shaped hull to deflect explosions upwards and away from the personnel inside.

On the other hand, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) are military vehicles that transport troops in a protected, armoured compartment, providing mobility and safeguarding soldiers during transportation in combat situations.

Security personnel in Kenya will utilize the drones the government purchased to keep an eye on regions—particularly the North Rift and Coast regions—where there had been an uptick in banditry and terrorist incidents.CS Kindiki had continuously warned bandits and terrorists during his public pronouncements.

According to CS Kindiki, the frequency of banditry in the Northern Rift Valley has decreased by 70% as a result of government measures, as of Tuesday.To encourage commerce, the Cabinet Secretary pledged that the government will put an end to banditry in the area.”The suppression of bandit terror will give way to opening up of the region through social amenities, economic infrastructure, and durable peacebuilding programs spearheaded by the Government but involving non-governmental stakeholders,” he said.