United States Set To Fund, Build Mega Project In Lamu
At Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay in Lamu, Kenya and the US have started construction on a Ksh9.1 billion runway expansion project.
A new 10,000-foot runway and contemporary airport infrastructure will be built as part of the project, which was approved by Cabinet and President William Ruto in May 2024. This will almost triple the length of the current, three-decade-old facility.
The Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay, which was established in 1992, has played a significant role in facilitating regional peace and security activities by assisting with security monitoring and marine security.
Hosted H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, Christopher Landau for the groundbreaking ceremony for the USA funded Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay Runway… pic.twitter.com/Sn2nDRv1JN
— Soipan Tuya E.G.H (@SoipanTuya) January 30, 2026
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in northeast Kenya’s Lamu County on Thursday, January 29.
In July 2024, the U.S. Department of State awarded a Ksh9.1 billion contract to design and build the new airstrip at the strategic site.
The base’s ability to battle extremism and respond to regional crises is limited since the current runway cannot accommodate the larger aircraft needed for military and humanitarian operations.
“This groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts with Kenya to counter extremists groups,” Deputy Secretary Landau said.
Expanding the military installation, he continued, enhances the capacity to combat terrorism at its root and deepens the two nations’ close alliance.
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.
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) January 30, 2026
See more: https://t.co/2XamJIMTPm pic.twitter.com/3PepfIGcMr
The project, according to Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, is an important step toward improving ties between Kenya and the United States.
“This project affirms the long-standing defence relationship between Kenya and the United States and aligns with our defence policy objectives to contribute credibly to regional and international peace and security efforts,” stated CS Tuya.
When the extended runway is finished in the middle of 2027, it will be able to accommodate longer aircraft ranges, such as those needed for joint operations, supplies, and quick response missions.
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United States Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) Commander General Dagvin Anderson said the investment reflects America’s commitment to supporting its partnership with Kenya in combating piracy and regional threats.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi hailed the project as critical for creating security conditions required for long-term economic growth, job creation, and investor confidence in Kenya.
The groundbreaking follows Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2024, reflecting decades of security cooperation and shared interests.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit included laying a wreath at the memorial honoring victims of the August 7, 1998, Al Qaeda attack on Nairobi’s U.S. Embassy.
United States Set To Fund, Build Mega Project In Lamu
