High risk missions have been transferred to a new elite unit of the Kenya Air Force formed by the Kenya Defence Forces.
The new special forces squad has been given the name EX Linda Rhino.
Presided by Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachel Omamo and US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec, the ceremony was held at Nanyuki Air base
The 'lethal' troops are expected to operate behind the enemy lines to rescue captured soldiers and conduct classified missions similar to those by the US elite forces.
KDF avoided releasing pictures of the troops due to the secret nature of the unit.
It is reported that the decision to form the unit was sparked by an incident in which a Kenyan pilot on a mission in Somalia, fell into the hands of Al Shabaab militants after ejecting his seat from a fighter jet that had suffered mechanical problems.
Rescuers reportedly failed to arrive in time hence the capture of the pilot.
“The exercise was visualised by the Kenya Air Force, following incidents in Somalia operations where the need for combat search and rescue capabilities were identified. United States Africa Command accepted to support us with training,” said an earlier statement by KDF.