U.S. says arms deal with Kenya under study amid graft claims

The United States clarified on Saturday that it has not signed any agreement with Kenya toward the purchase of 418 million-U.S. dollar weapons to be used in bolstering the war against Al-Shabaab.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said engagements between Washington and Nairobi on the weapons deal are still being discussed, citing America's commitment to supporting the fight against terrorism.

"To be clear, contrary to some allegations in the media, the government of Kenya has not signed any agreement to purchase aircraft from the U.S. and the process underway is transparent, open, and proper," Godec said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"This potential military sale would be carried out wholly in keeping with appropriate laws and regulations," he added.

The envoy said the public discussion around the potential purchase of AT802-L "Air Tractor" aircraft underscores the transparency and accountability of the U.S. government's "Foreign Military Sales" program.

"If concluded, the Kenyan government would purchase not just aircraft, but training, spare parts, ammunition, and weapons systems," said Godec.

The U.S. envoy's statement comes after a U.S. congressman tabled a motion in the congress on Tuesday seeking to halt Kenya's spending of 418 million dollars on weapons purchase from a US contractor.

"My office has received credible allegations of faulty contracting practices, fraud and unfair treatment surrounding this sale," Republican Congressman Ted Budd said on Tuesday.

Budd said IOMAX, a company based in the congressman's own district, can deliver to Kenya a more appropriate and proven type of aircraft for 283 million dollars less than L-3's price.

In urging his colleagues to block and investigate the deal, the North Carolina Republican said a company in his home state would sell Kenya planes better suited for their envisioned purpose at less than half the quoted price.

Congressman Budd is charging that the contract was awarded without competitive bidding to L-3 Communications, which, he said, "has no experience or track record producing this kind of aircraft."

Kenya plans to purchase 12 converted agricultural aircraft that are intended to bolster the Kenya Defence Forces' campaign against Al-Shabaab.

The U.S. military sales process requires notification of the U.S. Congress and allows oversight committees and commercial competitors the opportunity to review the entire package before it is offered to a potential buyer.

Godec said this gives the Ministry of Defence the opportunity to 'review the offer line by line and make a final determination on the Air Tractor aircraft package'.

He said the Foreign Military Sales program is one way the U.S. Government works closely with the Kenyan Government to assist the military.

"As one measure of our support, the U.S. has provided over 150 million dollars in equipment and assistance to the Kenyan military in the past year alone," Godec said. Endit