Promises of Kenya Air Force modernisation made on its 60th anniversary

The Kenya Air Force's Diamond Jubilee celebrations were marked on Saturday with a nostalgic remembrance of the country's 60-year journey of safeguarding the Kenyan skies from external aggression, memories of fallen soldiers, and hope for a better-equipped service.

President William Ruto announced plans to modernise the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with support from the Korean and American governments.

The president said this is in line with his government's commitment to military modernisation for mission readiness.

The government has in the next financial year increased the defence budget, with some of the funding projected to fund an upgrade of the air defence systems.

At the same time, in less than two months, the Air Force will receive 16 US-manufactured aircraft.

"I am particularly proud that when I was in the US a week ago, among the discussions we had were military capabilities to enhance our capacity of the Kenya Airforce as well as the entire KDF for mission readiness. I am also happy that South Korea has also offered some of their equipment to support the capabilities of our Kenya Defence Forces," he said during the celebrations at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

At the same time, he announced a 10,000 housing units programme for soldiers across the barracks.

He added that the government would start training more than 200 pilots annually starting next year in more capacity-building efforts, noting that discipline has been entrenched in the service following changes that followed the 1982 attempted coup.

"The reorganisation following the events of 1982 strengthened your ranks, raised standards, and forged a more disciplined and capable force. From adversity, you have emerged stronger, congratulations," said the Commander in Chief.

On June 1, 1964, the Kenya Air Force was established with a mission to defend and maintain the sovereignty of the Kenyan air space at all times.

It has grown in leaps and bounds boasting some of the best air capabilities in the region until recently when a series of aircraft incidents and crashes cast a dark spot on the service, one of which claimed the life of one of the country's top fighter pilots, former service commander and Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.

Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri noted that the Kenya Air Force has continued to ensure success in joint operations, working and supporting the Army and Navy and other uniformed and armed services throughout the years.

"In recent years, we have witnessed the KAF grow in capabilities through the modernisation program that has led to the introduction of new and more capable aircraft thus enhancing our national defence and through training facilities that continue to develop our human capital. The strength of KAF is not just in the equipment we have but more importantly in the high-quality human capital that we have," he said.

Like has become the norm in most military events in recent weeks, the late CDF was remembered and honoured with a moment of silence and his gifts presented to his son Joel at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Also remembered and honoured was Major General (Rtd) Daniel Gichuru, the first native KAF commander who served in that role twice between 1978 and 1980 and 1986 to 1989 after the KAF had transitioned from Royal Air Force East Africa to KAF.

"Central to our success as a modern force is our unwavering commitment to excellence in training and innovation, recognising that our greatest asset lies in our service personnel," said Major General Fatuma Ahmed, the Commander of Air Force.

She also highlighted some of the major fetes achieved by the service over the years, including offering humanitarian support during disasters, evacuation of Kenyans from war-torn regions, and contributing to the success of major security operations and missions abroad, including the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) and the African Union missions in Somalia.

A colourful display of air manoeuvres by different aircraft dazzled the guests as the air force men showed tactics they use to deal with the enemy in battlefronts, rescue efforts, and transportation of personnel and rations to soldiers in security operations.