TRUMP HAS GIVEN KENYA SIX METAL SHARK BOAT AS GIFT THAT COSTING KSHs. 500 MILIONS

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The United States government has given Kenya six metal shark boats provided through a Sh500 Million of grant funding from its Department of Defence.

This brings the number of metal shark boats to 10 as part of the US maritime security cooperation program in sub-Saharan Africa.

"The Metal Shark boats will reinforce the Kenya Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capability and support the Kenyan Blue Economy.

"These boats have exceptional capacity to operate in the challenging equatorial maritime environment, while simultaneously being rugged enough to endure extended operations with minimal maintenance.

"They will bolster the Kenya Navy’s capability to deploy Kenyan Rangers and other quick reaction forces from the sea, and to patrol and defend the more than 500 km maritime border," read a statement from the US Embassy.

US Ambassador Robert Godec reiterated that they would continue to partner Kenya in fighting terrorism and support the Kenya Navy in every way possible.

“Today we reaffirm that the United States is and will remain your steadfast partner in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

"We are pleased today to make this important contribution to Kenyan and regional security and look forward to the excellent work the Kenya Navy will do with these vessels.

"The Metal Sharks will bolster the Kenya Navy’s capacity to combat Al-Shabaab, an effort that will bring about a more stable and peaceful East Africa,” stated Godec.

The US Navy and the Kenya Navy have enjoyed an enduring partnership for over 40 years.

Since 2003, the U.S. Department of Defence has provided the Kenya Navy over Sh1.7 Billion Kenyan shillings of hardware assistance and equipment training; Sh300 Million of professional development; and Sh100 Million of maintenance upgrades for naval equipment.

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