You keep talking about the KDF's lift capability. Dude, it's not only c-130s that have that capability. They may be among the big aircraft, but even smaller planes are capable. In any case, Kenya has other options of lifting equipment and personnel. It can use KQ to lift personnel and hired planes from say Ukraine to lift equipment. It has been done before.
Spreading influence takes having the muscle to spread such influence. That means, by yourself, you can deploy that battalion and its assets without requiring hired help.
Aside from deploying, you also have to resupply. If they will be stationed in a remote place with no paved runways, you will need planes capable of operating in such an environment. A 737 with low hanging engines will suck up all debris on an austere airfield, that's why a C-130 is king; a turboprop with engines placed so high the plane can land and take off on beaches.
Yes, it has been done before, even the larger economies do the same. However, they handle last mile delivery organically. The KQ planes land on big airports and then transfer the cargo onto smaller planes or helicopters for last mile delivery. How many of those can KAF spare?
Don't forget the thing that makes all this possible. Money. How is all that logistics going to be paid for when the country is taking loans left right and centre? This is where having the battalion under MONUSCO makes sense. But, will the battalion have the flexibility to operate in the best interest of the Congolese?
Whoever controls the purse strings calls the shots. It won't be Kenya's agenda at the forefront anymore, ergo, no influence to spread.
You want to tell me we don't have both military and civilian trucks that can reach the DRC through Ug. I can bet my last penny that's what's gonna happen any way, just as Ug's troops routinely pass through Kenya enroute to Somalia.
This is exactly what is going to happen, if they will be going outside of the auspices of the UN. If under MONUSCO, then logistics will be handled by the UN.
I really don't understand why you think that a unit of say 800 KDF personnel in eastern congo under the UN must have c-130s on standby. For what? They will not be doing any para drops all over the place - that happens only in movies. Watapatiwa sector to hold, and that's it, just like Somalia
Transport aircraft are not for para drops only. They are specialised transport utility aircraft first, troop carriers second. Those troops in theatre will need to be resupplied, sometimes urgently. In cases of casualties, they can be airlifted out to receive emergency treatment.
If it is the UN handling logistics, they already have what is needed. But if its KDF on its own, that's a different matter.
As it stands, the three C-27s will have to make four trips each to carry the entire battalion. You haven't included their equipment. Three C-130's can handle this much easier. Don't forget helicopters for remote transport and resupply. That's why SA have five of their own in Congo. Trucks only work where there are motorable tracks. As you may know, Eastern Congo roads may not be so hospitable to trucking.
I also keep wondering why you keep thinking that any East African country would be against Kenya's deployment. Kenya is deploying under the UN, authorised by the SC in which we seat. Going against Kenya will be going against the SC. Who'll do that?
Somalia is not happy with the decision of the SC and AU authorising Kenya's deployment there. The authorisation doesn't stop them from trying to mess with Jubbaland and Kenya's deployment there. With Rwanda and Uganda having vested interests there, do you think they will come out into the open to say they don't like Kenya's deployment there? If anything, it is an opportunity for their intelligence services to glean KDFs capabilities.