Washington defends Nairobis weapons sale deal

The U.S. government has defended the Ksh 43.5 billion arms deal with the Kenya defence Forces (KDF) saying that it will boost the ongoing war on terror.

U.S. envoy to Kenya, Robert Godec, says the law will be followed in the sale of the arms to Kenya.

In a statement to newsrooms, Washington said that it is currently working with Nairobi on the purchase of aircraft to strengthen the Kenya Defence Forces in their fight against the Al Shabaab militia group.

“The public discussion around the potential purchase of AT802-L ‘Air Tractor’ aircraft underscores the transparency and accountability of the U.S. Government’s ‘Foreign Military Sales’ program,” said the U.S. Ambassador.

“If concluded, the Kenyan Government would purchase not just aircraft, but training, spare parts, ammunition, and weapons systems.”

The U.S. military sales process requires notification of the U.S. Congress and allows oversight committees and commercial competitors the opportunity to review the entire package before it is offered to a potential buyer.

“With the approval of the U.S. Congress, the Kenyan Ministry of Defence will receive a detailed U.S. Government document that will clearly describe each item to be purchased and service to be provided along with an estimated cost before they negotiate the final price and delivery timetable,” he added.

“This gives the Kenya Ministry of Defence the opportunity to review the offer line by line and make a final determination on the Air Tractor aircraft package.”

Mr Godec also clarified that Kenya has not signed any agreement to purchase aircraft from the United States and the process underway is transparent, open, and proper.

“This potential military sale would be carried out wholly in keeping with appropriate laws and regulations.”

Godec added: “The Foreign Military Sales program is one way the U.S. Government works closely with the Kenyan Government to provide a wide range of security assistance to the Kenyan military and law enforcement units.”

“The United States stands with Kenya in the fight against terrorism.  As one measure of our support, the United States has provided over USD150 million in equipment and assistance to the Kenyan military in the past year alone.”