US Delivers War Chopper to Kenyan Forces

The Kenya Air Forces (KDF) has received two additional helicopters from the United States as it fulfills its pledge to strengthen the Kenyan military in the war against Somalia-based terror group Al-Shabaab.

Last December, the United States gave the Kenyan Forces six similar war choppers that Kenya has used to deploy rapid response units to the battle field in neighboring country Somalia. This brings the total amount of money spent on the entire fleet of helicopters – Bell Huey II to Sh11.5 billion (USD 11.5 million).

“They will bolster the KDF’s capacity to combat Al-Shabaab, an effort that will bring more stability and peace to East Africa,” the US embassy in Nairobi said.

The embassy further said that the choppers have the capacity to operate in extreme environments including in hot and high-elevation and can offer extended operations with least maintenance.

“Our military cooperation with Kenya is one of the deepest and most important security relationships for the US in all of Africa.”

“We work to build our mutual security and peace throughout the region so that both of our countries are safer and more secure,” said US ambassador Robert Godec.

Additionally, the choppers will come in handy in delivering emergency supplies and evacuating military personnel from danger zones.