A possible sale of up to twelve Air Tractor AT-802L and two AT-504 trainer aircraft to Kenya is under investigation by the US Congress. The deal, worth up to $418 million, has been questioned due to allegations of faulty contracting practices, fraud, and unfair treatment.
Background ¶
The Air Tractor AT-802 is an agricultural aircraft that can be adapted for fire-fighting or armed versions. The Kenya Air Force (KAF) had initially sought to upgrade its transport aircraft, but later changed its requirements to include the Air Tractor AT-802L.
According to highly placed military sources, the change in requirements was influenced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who appointed General Samuel Thuita to front the interests of the President in the purchase. The sources also allege that a trio consisting of Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, and Solicitor General Njee Muturi negotiated cuts from the deal.
Investigation ¶
US Representative Ted Budd introduced a resolution to halt the Foreign Military Sale of the Air Tractors to Kenya, citing allegations of faulty contracting practices, fraud, and unfair treatment. Budd stated that the proposed sale would reward a $13 billion company, L-3, that has no experience producing airplanes of this type, and would cost $283 million more than a small business in North Carolina, Iomax, which is currently producing the needed aircraft.
Iomax claims it can fulfill the contract for $180 million and has 48 weaponized border patrol aircraft in service, compared to zero for L-3. The resolution has been passed to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Context ¶
- The Kenya Government has been accused of misusing the war against Al Shabaab to perpetuate flagrant abuses on human rights and embed corruption.
- The deal has been questioned due to the high cost and the fact that the Air Tractor AT-802L is an agricultural aircraft that may not be suitable for the intended purpose.
- The US Government has been criticized for allowing the transaction to go through despite the allegations of corruption and faulty contracting practices.
The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome is uncertain. However, the allegations of corruption and faulty contracting practices have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the deal.
