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UAE donates helicopters to Kenya Air Force

Speaking during the event, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Ambassador Raychell Omamo, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to receive the helicopters and the assorted spares that have come from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

“Indeed this comes at a much needed time when our country is engaged in multi-fronts in pursuit of peace and security along our borders and in the region,” said Omamo. “The resources required in security operations are often many and can be very expensive. To this end, the Government of the Republic of Kenya acknowledges with appreciation this kind of gesture by His Highness.”

Omamo added that the utility of the helicopters is not only limited to support security operations, but are equally suited for combat search and rescue, casualty and medical evacuations. They are also capable for combat air escort for heavy lift helicopters.

“The cooperation between the two countries and indeed the Kenya Defence Forces, recognizes the fact that peace and security cannot be achieved and maintained by a single country or military,” said Omamo. “It is through cooperation and sharing of resources and information that war on terror and other vices that fuel insecurity can be won.”

Commander of the Kenya Air Force, Major General Francis Ogolla, also acknowledged the opportunity given to Kenya Air Force to receive the helicopters from the United Arab Emirates. “The helicopters have come such a time when we mostly needed them in our operations both in our country and beyond,” he said.

Present during the event were United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Kenya, Khalid Khalifa Abdullah Rashid Al Mu’alla; Laikipia Air Base Commander, Brigadier John Omenda; Joint Aviation Command, United Arab Emirates, Colonel Jamal Alhababi; along with other Senior officers, officers and service members.