The U.S. Department of State has approved a $418 million contract for military aircrafts and weapons to be delivered to Kenya to aid in the fight against al-Shabaab.
Among the packages are 12 Air Tractor AT- 802L converted cropdusters, two AT-504 trainer aircraft and some weapons, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Monday, Jan. 23.
“The platform maximizes the Kenyan Defense Force’s close air support ability because it is a short-field aircraft capable of using precision munitions and cost-effective logistics and maintenance,” the agency added.
The sale of the military equipment is pending final approval by the U.S. Congress.
The arms deal approved by the State Department covers the UK, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Kenya at a cost of $1.8 billion dollars in total.
Kenyan security forces are involved in the fight against Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab, which has extended its reach across the border into Kenya.
Many Kenyans have died in the fight against the insurgents in Somalia.
Read more here
