The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched a major expansion of the country's ammunition manufacturing capacity in a move aimed at reducing reliance on imported military supplies and strengthening Kenya's defence preparedness.
Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri on Thursday, August 6 presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new ammunition production line at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret, a project expected to increase local production capacity by approximately 35 per cent.
The expansion forms part of the government's broader push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, allowing the military to produce more of its own ammunition while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.
Before officiating the ceremony, General Kahariri chaired the 73rd KOFC Board of Directors meeting, where members reviewed the corporation's progress in implementing its modernisation programme and assessed ongoing initiatives to upgrade production facilities.
According to KDF, the new production line will complement the refurbishment of the existing factory and significantly enhance the corporation's ability to manufacture high-quality small arms ammunition and related defence products.
The military said the modernisation programme will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase already underway and full completion targeted for the 2027/2028 financial year.
Addressing KOFC personnel after the groundbreaking ceremony, General Kahariri said expanding Kenya's local defence manufacturing capacity would be critical in meeting future operational requirements.
He also challenged employees to uphold the military's core values of discipline, professionalism and dedication, noting that these principles remain essential in sustaining excellence and positioning the corporation as a key pillar of Kenya's defence capability.
KOFC's Eldoret plant currently produces between 20,000 and 60,000 rounds of small arms ammunition daily, supplying the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service with locally manufactured munitions.
The factory manufactures standard military calibres, including 9mm, 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm ammunition, while assault rifles are produced separately at the Small Arms Factory in Ruiru, which has an annual production capacity of about 12,000 rifles under a single-shift operation.
Once the new production line is operational, local ammunition output is expected to increase by an additional 30,000 to 40,000 rounds per day, significantly boosting the country's ability to meet domestic defence requirements.
The expansion comes as Kenya continues to rely on international suppliers for part of its military equipment despite having a domestic manufacturing base. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the UN COMTRADE database shows Kenya imports military ammunition and weaponry from countries including Israel, Italy, the United States, China and the United Kingdom.
KDF said the latest investment is intended to improve operational resilience by ensuring essential defence requirements can increasingly be met through locally manufactured capabilities while strengthening the country's long-term strategic sustainability.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda, Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Keter, Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno, Director General of Defence National Security Industries Major General Faustino Lobaly and other senior military officers.
