This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Kenya's military is set to receive a significant boost in its capabilities with the delivery of six US-made light attack helicopter gunships by December.
The helicopters, part of an initial order of 12 light attack and reconnaissance helicopters, are valued at $253 million (Sh25 billion) and were part of a deal signed with Washington in 2017.
The delivery of the helicopters, which were initially expected between April and August, has been delayed, with the manufacturer citing no reasons for the delay.
According to defence magazine IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, the MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD530F Cayuse Warrior Scout and light-attack platforms will replace the MD 500 platforms flown by the 50th Air Cavalry Battalion of the Kenya Airforce.
The new acquisitions are part of Kenya's efforts to upgrade its military hardware, with the country consistently increasing its spending on the armed forces in recent years.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration raised its spending on the armed forces to Sh114.2 billion in 2018, making it one of the largest in the region.
The President has stated that the upgrades are necessary to provide safety and security to the nation from terror groups and other asymmetrical threats.
