Kenya’s military has for the second time been ranked as
Africa’s eleventh most powerful force ahead of its Ugandan and Tanzanian
counterparts, despite the neighbouring countries’ bigger personnel count.
Global Firepower, an agency that assesses the military
strength of nations, ranks Kenya as the most powerful nation in East Africa
based on its manpower, range of weaponry, logistical flexibility and budgets.
Kenya’s military is, however, ranked below Ethiopia and is
also smaller than its East African peers based on personnel headcount.
Kenya has 24,150 military personnel, slightly more than half
of Uganda’s 45,000 while Tanzania commands 30,000 servicemen.
“Going beyond military equipment totals and perceived
fighting strength, is the actual manpower that drives a given military. Wars of
attrition favour those with more,” the study says.
The rankings show that Kenya’s army size has changed little
since 2015, retaining the badge as the continent’s eleventh most superior force
for the second year.
Weaponry
Neighbouring Ethiopia is more powerful and commands a bigger
force of 185,500 personnel, which is seven times Kenya’s.
Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Sudan are also ranked ahead
of Kenya.
Despite having a larger pool of personnel, Uganda ranks
behind Kenya in military strength at position 16 in Africa while Tanzania comes
in 17th.
Kenya has an arms stockpile of 76 battle tanks, 591 armoured
fighting vehicles, 30 self-propelled guns, 25 towed artillery, 131 aircraft, 17
fighter jets, and 61 helicopters, according to Global Firepower.
Uganda’s weapons stock comprises 240 tanks, 43 aircraft,
1,060 armoured fighting vehicles, nearly twice Kenya’s cache, and 26
multiple-launch rocket systems.
Kenya and Tanzania currently lack the multiple launch
rockets. Tanzania’s arsenal includes 30 tanks, 150 armoured fighting vehicles
and 30 aircraft.
Military spending
Kenya, which is the region’s largest economy, has over the
years led its East African neighbours in military spending.
Compiled by Abbo Adhama
Source:twww.theeastafrican.co.ke
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