Council of EU adopts measure to support Kenya's military

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) — The Council of the EU on Monday decided to provide €20 million (about $21.5 million) to support Kenya's military under the bloc's European Peace Facility initiative.

The council said in a statement that the aim of the assistance was to "enhance the operational capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country and its civilian population against internal and external threats."

It will also "contribute to securing border areas and countering increased al-Shabaab's operations along the border with Somalia," the statement added, referring to the Al Qaeda-linked terror group active in the Horn of Africa region.

The assistance will help equip Kenyan infantry forces with tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, non-lethal interceptors and jammers, systems to counter electronic warfare tools, improvised explosive devices, cross-country tactical military vehicles, and a mobile medical post, it said.

It will also provide Kenya's naval marine units with life vests, night vision goggles, and specialized personal protective equipment, the statement highlighted.

Established in March 2021, the European Peace Facility is the EU's off-budget funding mechanism that finances actions under the bloc's common foreign and security policy to contribute to international security and stability.

It allows the EU to fund initiatives aimed at strengthening the military and defense capacities of third countries, as well as regional and international organizations.