Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri breaks ground for new ammunition production facility in Eldoret/KDFThe Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has kicked off the construction of a new ammunition production facility at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret.
The move is aimed at strengthening the country's local defence manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imported military supplies.
The groundbreaking ceremony, officiated by Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, followed the 73rd KOFC Board of Directors meeting, where senior military leaders reviewed the corporation's strategic progress and ongoing modernisation plans.
The new production line forms part of a broader programme to upgrade KOFC's manufacturing capabilities as Kenya seeks to build a more self-reliant defence industry capable of meeting the operational needs of the security agency.
According to a statement by the military, the project will complement the refurbishment of the existing ammunition production facility and significantly increase the corporation's manufacturing capacity once completed.
"The modernisation programme is being implemented in three phases, with the first phase already underway and full completion targeted for the 2027/2028 Financial Year," KDF stated.
"Once complete, the integrated upgrades are projected to increase production capacity by approximately 35 percent while enhancing the consistent production of high-quality small arms ammunition and related auxiliary products to support KDF operations."
The KDF said the investment is part of its long-term strategy to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, contending that expanding local production is essential in ensuring uninterrupted access to critical military equipment amid evolving security challenges.
Military planners have increasingly emphasised domestic production as a way of reducing exposure to disruptions in global supply chains while enhancing operational readiness and national security.
Proposed ammunition facility at Eldoret/KDFSpeaking after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony, General Kahariri praised KOFC for its achievements and reaffirmed the strategic importance of expanding Kenya's local defence industrial base.
He said the corporation plays a critical role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the Kenya Defence Forces and urged its personnel to uphold the military values of discipline, professionalism and dedication as the institution undertakes the ambitious expansion programme.
General Kahariri noted that these values would remain essential in ensuring the success of the modernisation project and positioning KOFC as a key pillar of Kenya's defence capability.
The military also noted that strengthening local production would contribute to long-term strategic sustainability by ensuring essential defence requirements can increasingly be met through indigenous manufacturing rather than external procurement.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place after the CDF chaired the 73rd KOFC Board meeting, where directors assessed progress on strategic initiatives aimed at modernising the corporation to meet emerging operational requirements.
