LAMU, Kenya — The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), in partnership with the United States Government, on Wednesday conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for a 10,000-foot runway expansion project at Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay in Lamu County, marking a major boost to bilateral defence cooperation and regional security capacity.
The ceremony was presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, alongside United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Thomas Landau and Cabinet Secretary for Defence Roselinda Soipan Tuya.
Speaking at the event, Mudavadi said the runway expansion reflects the strategic depth and durability of the Kenya–United States partnership, describing it as a long-term investment anchored on security, reliability, and stability.
He said the project would also deliver economic benefits to Lamu County and the wider region.
“The runway expansion will stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the prospects of the LAPSSET Corridor, positioning this region as a critical hub for trade and development,” Mudavadi said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Landau described the project as a tangible demonstration of the enduring bilateral relationship between Nairobi and Washington.
He said the expanded runway will strengthen security cooperation, improve joint operational reach, and support sustained economic growth.
“This project underscores our shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the region,” Landau said.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Tuya said the Manda Bay One-Way Runway Expansion Project is a decisive force multiplier for Kenya–US defence cooperation.
She noted that the enhanced infrastructure will significantly strengthen regional peace and maritime security.
“The expanded runway will enhance rapid response, surveillance, and joint operational capability against piracy, human trafficking, and threats to maritime trade,” Tuya said, adding that the project demonstrates the two nations’ firm commitment to regional stability.
According to defence officials, the runway expansion represents a critical strategic capability upgrade, enhancing heavy airlift capacity, forward logistics, and rapid force projection for joint and partner operations.
The improved infrastructure will support persistent operational presence and time-sensitive responses across peacetime, crisis, and contingency scenarios.
Analysts say the project consolidates Kenya–US defence integration, strengthens interoperability, and establishes a credible, enduring security posture in support of stability across the Western Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa regions.
The ceremony was attended by US Africa Command Commander General Dagvin Anderson, Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Benard Waliaula, Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno, Base Commander Manda Bay Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, senior officers from the Special Operations Forces Command, Brigadier John Njeru, and Operation Amani Boni Commander Brigadier Meshack Kishoyian, alongside other senior military and government officials.
