Kenya Air Force commissioned newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft.

On April 21, The Kenya Air Force (KAF) commissioned the newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft . The event was presided over by the Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF) Major General Francis Ogolla at Moi Air Base (MAB), Eastleigh. 

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The new C-145 Skytruck (Picture source: Kenya MoD)

The C-145 Skytruck which is intended to phase out the Y-12 aircrafts, was acquired through Excess Defence Article (EDA) after the signing of the Kenya United States Liason Office (KUSLO) agreement by the two Governments on 4 April 2017.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, Commander KAF expressed gratitude to the US government for the acquisition that will go a long way in enhancing the mission readiness of the Kenya Air Force.

“ It is a great day today as we introduce the C-145 Skytruck Aircraft (KAF 2001).

This aircraft will not be in the Service for display but to enhance the capability of our air support to our sister Services,” said Maj Gen Ogolla.

C-145 Skytruck Aircraft is a variant M28 with a capacity of nineteen. The C-145 is more modified with a stronger engine, it has a short take-off and landing capability, picks height faster and has a bigger cargo capacity. The aircraft is a multi-purpose aircraft, that can be used for VIP and passenger transportation, cargo transportation, paradrop, insertion as well as casualty evacuation. The Commander thanked the US government for considering Kenya’s bid for this acquisition.

The US Defence Air Attachee to Kenya Major Matthew Yan while making his remarks thanked the Kenyan Government for the mutual cooperation and assured of continued support from the US Government. He summed up acquisition of the aircraft using a common Swahili phrase ‘haba na haba hujaza kibaba’.

Present at the ceremony were Base Commander Moi Air Base Brigadier Peter Githinji, US Defence Mobile Training Team (MTT), KAF Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.