The Kenyan Army continues to enhance its operational capabilities with the acquisition of both new and second-hand armoured vehicles, signalling its commitment to internal security and regional peacekeeping roles.
By Jarryd Sinovich
In recent months, Kenya has received a batch of DCD Springbuck armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from South Africa and M1117 Guardian armoured security vehicles from the United States. These additions reflect Kenya’s long-standing defence partnership with the US and its deepening cooperation with other global defence suppliers.
The Springbuck APCs, designed and built by South Africa’s DCD Protected Mobility, have become an increasingly important asset in Kenya’s counter-banditry and anti-terrorism operations, especially in the volatile northern regions. A convoy of these vehicles was seen arriving in Nairobi in February 2025, ahead of an official commissioning ceremony held on 6 March at the General Service Unit (GSU) Headquarters in Ruaraka. The event was presided over by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, who highlighted the role of the vehicles in contributing to a reported 70% reduction in banditry in northern Kenya.
At least six Springbuck Standard Duty models were showcased during the ceremony. These 4×4 APCs, weighing 9,000 kg with a 1,500 kg payload, provide B6-level ballistic protection capable of withstanding 7.62×51 mm NATO rounds and can endure a TM57 mine blast under the hull or twin blasts under any wheel. Powered by a 194 hp MWM 6.10T 6.45-litre turbocharged diesel engine, the vehicle combines mobility and survivability—qualities well-suited to the rugged terrain of Kenya’s operational areas.
Kenya has operated Springbuck vehicles for over five years, with several reportedly surviving improvised explosive device (IED) attacks along the Somali border. DCD previously announced in 2019 that it was manufacturing additional Standard Duty and Heavy Duty Springbuck variants for clients in East and West Africa. The heavier model, weighing 13,000 kg with a 2,500 kg payload, offers B7 protection against 30.06 calibre armour-piercing rounds and is equipped with a more powerful 286 hp MWM 6.12TCA 7.2-litre engine, offering improved speed and range for more demanding missions.
In March 2024, Kenya officially confirmed the operational deployment of eight Springbuck APCs for internal security duties, further solidifying their role in the national security framework.
Complementing the Springbuck acquisition, the Kenyan military has also begun operating M1117 Guardian armoured security vehicles supplied by the United States. These vehicles, widely used by the US military and allied forces around the world, enhance troop protection during patrols and convoy escort missions, offering improved resistance to small arms fire, mines, and IEDs.
Kenya’s ongoing vehicle acquisitions underscore its broader defence modernisation strategy, focused on addressing persistent internal threats such as cattle rustling, banditry, and terrorism, while simultaneously strengthening its capacity to contribute to regional peace support operations.
