The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), in partnership with the United States Government conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for a 10,000-foot Runway Expansion Project at Kenya Navy Manda Base, Manda Bay, Lamu County.
The ceremony was presided over by Honourable Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, alongside Mr Christopher Thomas Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State, as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya,
In his address, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi underscored the strategic and symbolic strength of the Kenya–United States partnership, stating that the runway expansion is a critical investment anchored on security, reliability and long-term stability. He noted that the runway expansion project will stimulate economic growth in Lamu County and nationally, improve livelihoods and enhance the prospects of the LAPSSET Corridor, positioning the region as a key hub for trade and development.
Speaking during the event, United States Deputy Secretary of State Mr Christopher Thomas Landau commended the Government of Kenya for the partnership, describing the project as a tangible demonstration of the enduring bilateral relationship. He noted that the expanded runway capability will strengthen security cooperation, enhance joint operational reach and support sustained economic growth.
Making her remarks during the ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, stated that the Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay One-Way Runway Expansion Project is a decisive force multiplier for Kenya–United States defence cooperation. She emphasised that the expanded runway will significantly strengthen regional peace and security by enhancing rapid response, surveillance, and joint operational capability against piracy, human trafficking, and threats to maritime trade, underscoring the two nations’ firm and enduring commitment to regional stability.
The runway expansion is a pivotal strategic capability upgrade that significantly enhances operational reach, heavy airlift capacity, and forward logistical sustainment for joint and partner military operations. It strengthens rapid force projection, persistent operational presence, and time-sensitive response across the theatre. The project directly reinforces readiness, interoperability, and sustained operational effectiveness across peacetime, crisis, and contingency operations. Collectively, these gains consolidate Kenya–United States defence integration and establish a credible, enduring security posture in support of regional peace, security, and stability.
Also present during the ceremony were the Commander, United States Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson; Major General Benard Waliaula, Commander Kenya Air Force; Major General Paul Otieno, Commander Kenya Navy; Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, Base Commander Manda Bay; senior officers from the Special Operations Forces Command; Brigadier John Njeru; and Brigadier Meshack Kishoyian, Commander Operation Amani Boni (OAB), alongside other senior military and government officials.
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