The United States has launched a $70-million expansion project at its military base in Manda Bay, Kenya, near the Somali border. The upgrade, which includes a larger runway, aims to boost counter-terrorism operations in the Horn of Africa, particularly against the Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group Al-Shabaab.
Manda Bay airbase, operated jointly by Kenya Defence Forces and the US military, has long been a strategic hub for operations in the region. The base has seen security challenges in the past, including a 2020 attack at Camp Simba, part of Manda Bay, in which three Americans were killed and several aircraft and vehicles destroyed.
During a visit to the base, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that the expansion signals a “very tangible commitment” to the defense partnership between the United States and Kenya. “It sends a very strong signal to those who would be our adversaries,” Landau said.
The base expansion comes after former US President Joe Biden designated Kenya as the first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening military and diplomatic cooperation, though without a formal security treaty.
Landau also praised Kenya’s role in international peacekeeping efforts, highlighting its leadership in the UN-supported mission in Haiti, where Kenyan forces have helped combat gangs and stabilize communities.
Kenya’s strategic location, regional influence, and active participation in international security missions make it a key partner for the United States in promoting stability across East Africa and beyond.
