Kenya Air Force
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) or Swahili: Jeshi la Wanahewa is the national aerial warfare service branch of the Republic of Kenya.
| Kenya Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Jeshi la Wanahewa | |
Badge of the Kenya Air Force | |
| Founded | 1 June 1964 |
| Country | Kenya |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 149 Aircraft |
| Part of | Kenya Defence Forces |
| Headquarters | Nairobi |
| Motto(s) |
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| Engagements |
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| Website | mod |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief | President Dr. William Samoei Ruto |
| Commander of the Air Force | Major General John Mugaravai Omenda |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel | |
| Fin flash | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Northrop F-5 |
| Helicopter | Mil Mi-28 Mil Mi-171, SA330 Puma, Bell UH-1, Eurocopter AS350 , AgustaWestland AW139 |
| Attack helicopter | Bell AH-1 |
| Reconnaissance | Cessna 208 |
| Trainer | Scottish Aviation Bulldog, Short Tucano, Grob G 120 |
| Transport | DHC-5, Harbin Y-12, C-27J Spartan, Fokker 70, Bombardier Dash 8, C-145 Skytruck |
The main airbase operating fighters is Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, while Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi is the headquarters. Other bases include Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mombasa (Moi International Airport), FOB Mandera, FOB Wajir & FOB Nyeri (mainly helicopters/small planes).
The Kenya Air Force flies some two dozen F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, a dozen Tucano trainers, half a dozen G120A basic trainers.
Kenya also flies small numbers of other different types, such as Pumas, Mi-17s etc. Recent acquisitions include AW139, AS350 FENNEC, UH-1H helicopters, H124M Fennec, MD530Fs and C-27J Spartan transports.
In 2017 Jordan donated 2 confirmed AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters for the air force; these together with the Army's 50th Air Cavalry helicopters are controlled by the Joint Helicopter Command based at Embakasi Garrison.