Kenya and the United States have broken ground on a Ksh9.1 billion runway expansion project at Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay, Lamu.
The project, which was approved by Cabinet and President William Ruto in May 2024, will see the construction of a new 10,000-foot runway and modern airfield infrastructure, nearly tripling the length of the existing three-decade-old facility.
Since its establishment in 1992, the Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay has been a key enabler of regional peace and security operations, supporting maritime security and security surveillance efforts.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in northeast Kenya’s Lamu County on Thursday. January 29.
The U.S. Department of State awarded a Ksh9.1 billion contract in July 2024 for the design and construction of the expanded airfield at the strategic base.
The existing runway cannot handle the larger aircraft required for military and humanitarian operations, limiting the base’s effectiveness in combating extremism and responding to regional crises.
“This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts with Kenya to counter extremists groups,” Deputy Secretary Landau said.
He added that expanding the military base strengthens the ability to counter extremism at its source while reinforcing the close partnership between the two countries.
Cabinet Secretary for Defense Soipan Tuya described the project as a vital step in strengthening Kenya-United States relations.
“This project affirms the long-standing defence relationship between Kenya and the United States and aligns with our defence policy objectives to contribute credibly to regional and international peace and security efforts,” stated CS Tuya.
The expanded runway is expected to be completed in mid-2027, supporting broader aircraft ranges, including those for rapid response missions, logistics, and joint operations.
United States Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) Commander General Dagvin Anderson said the investment reflects America’s commitment to supporting its partnership with Kenya in combating piracy, and regional threats.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi hailed the project as critical for creating security conditions required for long-term economic growth, job creation, and investor confidence in Kenya.
The groundbreaking follows Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2024, reflecting decades of security cooperation and shared interests.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit included laying a wreath at the memorial honoring victims of the August 7, 1998, Al Qaeda attack on Nairobi’s U.S. Embassy.