US Mulls Shutting Down Military Camps in Kenya

The United States is reportedly planning to shut down its military camps in Kenya and three other countries in Africa.

The New York Times reports that the US Defence Department is also considering slashing the number of its special operation forces on the continent by half.

The newspaper did not however disclose which military outposts in Kenya could be affected by the closure, but said the move must first receive the approval of Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

The US army has had a base at Manda Bay, Lamu County sometimes referred to as Camp Simba, for several years now. There are also US troops who reportedly operate from an installation in Isiolo County.

"The sizeable US military contingent in Somalia of about 500 personnel would remain intact under the plans being mulled by Defence Department officials," the Times said.

"If the envisioned cutbacks in Africa are carried out, the Pentagon would be left with “a lasting, robust military presence in Somalia and Nigeria,” the newspaper reported.

The planned reductions of US troops in Africa reflect a shift in strategy by the Defence Department in order to channel its resources to fighting perceived 'threats' from China and Russia.