The United States has initiated a $70-million expansion project for the runway at a military base in Kenya, strategically located near the border with Somalia. This initiative is part of an effort to enhance counter-terrorism operations in the Horn of Africa, specifically targeting the threats posed by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Al-Shabaab.
Situated in Lamu County, the Manda Bay airbase is utilized by both the Kenya Defence Forces and U.S. military personnel, serving as a critical operational hub in combatting extremist activities in the region. This expansion is seen as a bolstering of military and diplomatic ties, following a 2024 announcement by former President Joe Biden that designated Kenya as the first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held on Thursday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “We have to show those who would attack us that we are resolved to defend ourselves.” He characterized the outpost as “a very tangible commitment” to mutual defense between the U.S. and Kenya, conveying that the expansion sends “a very strong signal to those who would be our adversaries.”
Past incidents underscore the need for heightened security in the region. In 2020, Al-Shabaab terrorists infiltrated Camp Simba, part of the Manda Bay base, resulting in the deaths of three American citizens and significant damage to military assets. Moreover, the historical context of U.S. interests in Kenya includes the 1998 simultaneous attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which left over 200 people dead, including 12 Americans.
In addition to counter-terrorism, Landau acknowledged Kenya’s role in promoting “international stability,” particularly in Haiti. He commended the country’s active participation in a United Nations-supported mission, which assists Haiti’s national police in combating gang violence that has plagued the nation.
This runway expansion project not only signifies a commitment to regional security but also highlights the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Kenyan governments in addressing broader global challenges.
