NAIROBI, Kenya — Construction has officially begun on a new 10,000-foot runway and modernized airfield infrastructure at Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay, marking a significant step in the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on January 29, brought together top U.S. and Kenyan officials, including U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The project, awarded a $71.3 million contract by the U.S. Department of State in July 2024, nearly triples the length of the existing runway, which has served the base for over 30 years.
“This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts with Kenya to counter Al Shabaab, ISIS, and other terrorist groups,” Deputy Secretary Landau said. “By expanding this military base, we are strengthening our ability to stop terrorism at its source and reinforcing the close partnership between our two countries.”
The expanded airfield will support a broader range of aircraft, including those used in rapid response missions, humanitarian aid, logistics, and joint counterterrorism operations.
Completion is expected by mid-2027, enhancing Kenya’s ability to maintain regional security and stability.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi described the project as a critical investment for economic growth in northeast Kenya. “With reliable security, the economy will grow, and jobs will be created,” he said.
U.S. AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson emphasized the long-term impact of the investment.
“Kenya is a key partner for peace and security in East Africa, and this infrastructure directly strengthens how our militaries work together while building Kenya’s capacity to counter threats, like Al Shabaab,” he said.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Soipan Tuya, called the expansion a “decisive force multiplier” that will be vital in countering transnational threats destabilizing the region.
“This undertaking is of great strategic significance in advancing peace and security in our region and beyond,” Tuya said.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit also included laying a wreath at the memorial for victims of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi, reaffirming the shared commitment between the two nations to defend against terrorism.
“The United States stands side by side with Kenya,” Landau said. “This outpost represents a tangible commitment to our common defense. We must show those who would attack us that we are resolved to defend ourselves.”
