ADF STAFF
The Kenyan government has announced major investments in weapons and equipment to modernize its military. The country will spend about 7 billion Kenyan shillings ($45 million) annually for five years to acquire tactical vehicles, drones and other modern defense tools, according to the interior ministry.
Part of the investment will include buying drones to monitor border and coastal areas that have been plagued by bandits and terrorists.
The first batch of equipment was to include mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, aerial surveillance kits, and personal protective gear.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said a major goal of the investment is to better protect security professionals as they do their jobs.
“We have taken a decision to upscale and revitalise the equipment modernisation programme and acquire more air and land assets as well as personal protective equipment to enable you to perform your work better and efficiently,” Kindiki told the Star. “When you are protecting your fellow citizens, your own lives must also be protected from danger.”
In total, the Kenyan government will spend $236 million for the modernization initiative.