Kenya to be supplied with 8 Hueys and 8 MD-500s helicopters from the United States.

Kenya is set to receive a significant boost in its defense capabilities with the arrival of 16 US-manufactured helicopters, as announced by the White House. The consignment includes 8 Hueys and 8 MD-500s, scheduled to arrive between late 2024 and summer 2025.

This delivery marks a milestone in U.S.-Kenya defense cooperation, with the Hueys enhancing Kenya’s regional security capabilities and the MD-500s supporting peacekeeping missions. The strategic investment by the United States reflects a long-term commitment to building Kenya’s defense capabilities, coinciding with the celebration of 60 years of ties between the two countries.

In addition to the helicopters, Kenya and the US are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the expansion of the Manda Bay Airfield in coastal Kenya. The expansion will include the construction of a 10,000-foot runway to increase operations against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.

The acquisition of these helicopters comes at a crucial time for Kenya, following concerns about the safety of the Kenya Airforce fleet. A series of military plane crashes, including one that claimed the life of Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla and 9 other officers, has raised urgent calls for evaluations and upgrades of the aging aircraft in the Kenya Defence Forces’ aviation fleet.

The tragic incident involving General Ogolla has highlighted the need for comprehensive assessments and modernization of the military fleet, which has been in service for decades. The arrival of the new helicopters is expected to address these concerns and enhance Kenya’s preparedness for regional peacekeeping missions and security operations.