Nairobi — The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Tuesday handed over a Sh220 million donation of state-of-the-art personal protective equipment to the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) at Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi.

The grant includes 6,730 pieces of cutting-edge equipment that will enhance the safety and capabilities of KDF personnel

The US Embassy in Nairobi said Tuesday that the equipment will provide enhanced defense capabilities during ongoing counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations.

The donation includes soft body armor and ballistic helmets designed to protect against small arms fire, as well as ballistic plates designed to withstand heavier ammunition.

Speaking during the ceremony, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command, Major General Juma Mwinyika, thanked the US for their continuous support to Kenyan troops.

"I can't overemphasize the goodwill that is here in this partnership. What is left is for us at the tactical and operational level is to do much more. At strategic level, we have good support from the United States," he said.

The US Embassy noted that the shipment of the advanced equipment, which arrived in Kenya on January 22, will help reinforce Kenya's capabilities and readiness to address evolving security challenges in the region.

Major General Kenneth Ekman at U.S. AFRICOM emphasized the significance of the donation, saying,

"We are proud to complete this grant of protective equipment to our partners in the Kenya Defence Forces. This donation underscores the United States' commitment to supporting the security efforts of our international partners and fostering a free, open, and stable international order."

Maj.Gen.Ekman said the donation was in fulfillment of one of the KDF's priority requests to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during his visit to Kenya in September 2023.

The US expressed its commitment to sustaining the partnership with Kenya and other African partners to ensure regional peace and stability.