NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya and the United States have launched the expansion of the runway at Manda Bay in Lamu County, underscoring the growing security partnership between the two countries as they confront terrorism and instability across the Horn of Africa.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi alongside U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is on an official visit to Kenya.
Kenyan officials say the project will strengthen regional security, improve rapid response capabilities and support joint operations against extremist groups.
Manda Bay, formally known as Cooperative Security Location Manda Bay, sits on Kenya’s northern coast near the Somali border and has become a critical hub for counterterrorism operations.
Groundbreaking moment in Manda Bay! Together with @DeputySecState, Kenya, and @USAfricaCommand we’re investing in infrastructure that strengthens security for 🇰🇪🇺🇸 and beyond.
The base is operated by the Kenya Defence Forces and is used by U.S. forces under a bilateral security arrangement focused on training, intelligence and regional stability.
The airfield gained international attention in January 2020 when al-Shabaab militants carried out a deadly attack that killed three Americans and destroyed several aircraft.
Since then, both governments have invested heavily in upgrading security infrastructure and force protection at the base .
Kenya and the United States are actively advancing peace, security, and counterterrorism efforts across the Greater Horn of Africa and beyond, driving stability and shared prosperity in the region.Together with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Christopher Landau, who is in
According to U.S. Africa Command, Manda Bay plays a key role in supporting counterterrorism operations in Somalia and East Africa, enabling surveillance, logistical support and rapid deployment of forces across the region .
Kenyan officials say the expanded runway will allow the base to handle a wider range of aircraft, improve operational safety and enhance humanitarian and emergency response capabilities.
It is also expected to strengthen maritime and air security along the Indian Ocean coastline, a region that has faced persistent threats from extremist networks.
Mudavadi said the project symbolised a shift from policy commitments to tangible infrastructure that delivers security and development benefits.
He noted that stability in the Horn of Africa remains central to Kenya’s economic growth and regional leadership.
Started my visit to Kenya with fantastic meetings with President @WilliamsRuto and Prime Cabinet Secretary/Foreign Minister @MusaliaMudavadi. We agreed that relations between our two countries are excellent, but that we can and should do much more together on
The United States has described Kenya as a key security partner in Africa.
In 2024, Washington designated Kenya a major non-NATO ally, a move that expanded defence cooperation and access to training, technology and financing .
Manda Bay was officially upgraded to a full naval base in 2021, reflecting its strategic importance in counterterrorism, maritime security and regional partnerships.
U.S. military reporting indicates that sustained infrastructure improvements have significantly strengthened the base’s security posture in recent years.
Beyond military operations, officials say the expanded facility will support humanitarian missions, disaster response and regional peace efforts, particularly as instability persists in Somalia and Sudan.
