A proposed deal between Kenya and the US for the purchase of 12 attack aircraft and two trainer planes is facing uncertainty after five US lawmakers raised concerns over the pricing.
Congressmen Tedd Budd, Sanford Bishop, Walter Jones, Jeff Duncan, and Mark Meadows have written to Kenyan Ambassador to the US Robinson Githae, expressing doubts about the $418 million (Sh41.8 billion) cost of the aircraft, stating that it could be acquired for over $200 million less from a different company.
Concerns Over Cost and Capability ¶
The lawmakers questioned the acquisition, citing that L3 Technologies, the company contracted to deliver the aircraft, has no experience converting agricultural aircraft into intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft with precision-strike capability.
The aircraft in question are Air Tractor AT-802L, originally built for agricultural use but remodeled into armed planes for military purposes. The deal includes armor-plating the planes, an arms package, and a training program for Kenyan military personnel.
Alternative Options ¶
Congressman Budd suggested that Kenya could explore alternative options, potentially acquiring field-tested aircraft and related elements at a lower price from a company with proven experience.
The lawmakers urged their colleagues to block the proposed transaction and called for Congress to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kenya's pending agreement with L3 Technologies.
Investigation and Next Steps ¶
A congressional investigation into the sale could still block the deal, according to James Braid, a senior aide to Congressman Budd. The US government's executive branch, headed by President Donald Trump, could also intervene to halt the sale.
US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec defended the propriety of the process, stating that the potential military sale would be carried out in accordance with appropriate laws and regulations.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
