US, KDF break ground on expanded Manda airfield

Members from US Africa Command, US AFRICOM senior leadership Kenya's state officials witness the groundbreaking for upgraded airfield at Manda Bay./US EMBASSY

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Construction has started on a new 10,000-foot runway and modern airfield at the Navy Base Manda Bay in a significant expansion of joint military cooperation under the US–Kenya strategic partnership.

The Kenya Defense Forces and the United States held a groundbreaking ceremony at the base on Thursday, January 29, launching a project aimed at strengthening counterterrorism operations and regional security.Clergy pray before the groundbreaking for the new airfield at Manda Bay. /US EMBASSY

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the expansion would enhance the ability of both countries to confront militant threats operating in the region.

“This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts with Kenya to counter al Shabaab, ISIS and other terrorist groups. 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,” Landau said.US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. /US EMBASSY

The US Department of State awarded a $71.3 million (Sh9.2 billion) contract in July 2024 for the design and construction of the expanded airfield.

Once complete, the new runway will nearly triple the length of the existing strip, which is more than 30 years old and cannot accommodate larger aircraft required for modern military and humanitarian missions.Members from US Africa Command and US AFRICOM senior leadership enroute to Manda Bay for the groundbreaking for new airfield./US EMBASSY

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi described the project as a foundational investment in long-term economic and security stability.

“With reliable security the economy is going to grow, jobs will be created,” Mudavadi said during the ceremony.Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi speaking at the event. /US EMBASSY

The expanded runway, expected to be completed by mid-2027, will support a wider range of aircraft and missions, including rapid response deployments, logistics operations and joint efforts against terrorism, piracy and other threats to regional stability.Members from US Africa Command and US AFRICOM during the ceremony. /US EMBASSY

US Africa Command commander Gen Dagvin Anderson said the project underscored the United States’ long-standing commitment to its partnership with Kenya.

“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 ability to counter threats, like al Shabaab,” Anderson said.

He added that “the expanded airfield will better protect our people and our assets, and it gives both our nations a stronger platform to deter, disrupt, and defeat terrorist organizations.”US Africa Command commander Gen Dagvin Anderson./ US EMBASSY

Kenya was designated a major non-Nato ally of the United States in 2024, a status that reflects deepening security ties.

Anderson, however, emphasised that cooperation between the two countries predates the designation.

“The security partnership has been built over many years around shared interests, challenges and commitment to regional stability,” he said.US Deputy Secreatry General of State Christopher Landau and US Army Command Sgt Maj Garric Banfield arrive at Manda Bay. /US EMBASSY

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya termed the project a “decisive force multiplier” that will enhance readiness and strengthen the region’s ability to counter transnational threats.

“This infrastructure is essential to ensuring readiness,” Tuya said, adding, “This undertaking is of great strategic significance in advancing peace and security in our region and beyond.”

Landau attended the groundbreaking as part of a three-day visit to Kenya focused on strengthening economic and security cooperation.

His visit began with the laying of a wreath at a memorial honouring Kenyans and Americans killed in the August 7, 1998 al Qaeda attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi.

Hours after paying tribute to the victims, Landau joined Mudavadi at Manda Bay to officially launch construction of the expanded runway.

“The United States stands side by side with Kenya,” Landau said.

“What this outpost represents is a very tangible commitment to our common defense. We must show those who would attack us that we are resolved to defend ourselves.”