Kenya has started receiving the military choppers donated by the US as part of the goodies advanced to the country during the recent state visit by President William Ruto.
Two of the eight UH-1 ‘Hueys’ choppers that the country is set to receive arrived two weeks ago.
They are currently being assembled at the Embakasi Garrison hangar in Nairobi by a specialised team of technicians from the US Air Force along with experts from the manufacturing company and Kenya Air Force.
Sources familiar with the operations said the choppers are set to undergo comprehensive tests ahead of its official handover later this year.
The remaining consignment of six Hueys will be shipped in next month.
Huey is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter.
White House said the helicopters will help the country bolster regional peace and security.
Apart from the Hueys, Kenya will also get a supply of eight MD-500s from US to enhance Kenya’s participation in peacekeeping missions.
The MD 500 helicopter series is an American family of light utility civilian and military helicopters. It was developed from the Hughes 500, a civilian version of the US Army’s OH-6A Cayuse/Loach.
The series currently includes the MD 500E, MD 520N, and MD 530F and it was initially produced by Hughes helicopters as the Hughes 500.
The choppers will also be used in evacuation and or deployment of troops, delivery of supplies and air assaults.
Ruto’s visit to the US coincided with the 60th anniversary of bilateral partnership between the two countries.
The meeting between Ruto and Biden covered a wide range of topics including democracy, human rights, healthcare, climate solutions, trade and investment as well as peace and security.
The acquisition of these helicopters represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s defense capabilities and underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing security and stability in the region.
