The United States has launched a $70 million expansion of the Manda Bay military base in Kenya’s Lamu County, strengthening a strategic facility near the Somali border that plays a key role in regional security operations. The groundbreaking for the runway and airfield upgrade was attended by senior Kenyan and U.S. officials, demonstrating deepening defence cooperation between the two countries, Reuters reporting on the event noted.
The project involves construction of a 10,000-foot runway and modernised airfield infrastructure capable of accommodating larger military and humanitarian aircraft, a capability that did not exist under the base’s older, shorter strip. According to The Star, the expanded runway will nearly triple existing capacity and support heavy transport, surveillance and rapid response missions, bolstering joint operational reach.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi both described the base upgrade as a tangible sign of the enduring security partnership. Landau emphasised that the investment will enhance the ability of U.S. and Kenyan forces to counter extremist groups such as al-Shabaab, while Mudavadi said the project will also stimulate economic growth and support Kenya’s broader defence policy objectives. Capital FM reported on their remarks at the ceremony.
Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya called the runway expansion a “decisive force multiplier” for defence cooperation, noting it will improve rapid response and surveillance capabilities against piracy, human trafficking and other security threats affecting maritime trade and regional stability. The upgrade underscores Nairobi’s role as a key U.S. partner in East Africa’s security landscape. Kahawatungu coverage highlighted these strategic benefits.
