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Manda Bay Airfield to undergo upgrade in efforts to combat terrorism

Defence CS Aden Duale with the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee after signing the agreement in Washington, DC on May 23, 2024. Photo: X/HonAdenDuale

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, May 24, 2024

The decision to upgrade Manda Bay comes in response to Kenya's formal request, highlighting the airfield's strategic significance in regional security dynamics.

After years of delays, plans are finally in motion for the upgrade of Manda Bay airfield in Kenya, a move expected to strengthen the country's efforts in combating terrorism.

The decision comes following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and the United States, signalling a commitment to enhancing security measures and increasing joint operations in the region.

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Defence Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale highlighted that once revamped, the airfield will play a critical role in supporting counter-terrorism efforts and strengthening the joint US-Kenya operation base.

"The upgraded facility provides Kenya with the necessary infrastructure to enhance operations against the terrorist group al-Shabaab," he said.

The centre of the upgrade is the construction of a 10,000-foot runway, which is expected to provide Kenya with the necessary infrastructure to conduct more effective counter-terrorism operations.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, has lauded the partnership between the two countries, emphasising the importance of fortifying joint military operations to promote stability.

Defence CS Aden Duale during a meeting in Washington, DC on May 23, 2024. Photo: X/HonAdenDuale.

The decision to upgrade Manda Bay comes in response to Kenya's formal request, highlighting the airfield's strategic significance in regional security dynamics.

Once completed, the expanded airfield is poised to become one of Kenya's largest landing fields, situated in Lamu County near the Somalia border.

In addition to its geographical importance, Manda Bay serves as a crucial logistics hub and operational centre for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Early this month, President William Ruto's cabinet expressed support for the project, noting that it will enhance the capacity of the Kenya Defence Forces to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The approval will also see the airstrip cater to large-scale aircraft services including hosting larger aeroplanes on improved runways.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had been earlier tasked to oversee the runway expansion.

However, the contractor in charge of the repairs pointed out that the main problem causing the project to stop was the lack of enough water.

With the upgrade, Manda Bay will accommodate a wider range of aircraft, enhancing the mobility and flexibility of security forces.