KDF Targets 35% Rise in Ammunition Output

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched the construction of a new ammunition production facility at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen local defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported military supplies.

The project, which forms part of a wider modernisation programme at KOFC, is expected to significantly increase the country’s capacity to produce small arms ammunition while supporting the operational readiness of the military. The initiative comes as Kenya seeks to build a more self-reliant defence industry capable of responding to evolving security challenges.

Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri presided over the groundbreaking ceremony after chairing the 73rd KOFC Board of Directors meeting, where senior military leaders reviewed the corporation’s strategic progress and ongoing plans to upgrade its manufacturing infrastructure.

“The modernisation programme is being implemented in three phases, with the first phase already underway and full completion targeted for the 2027/2028 Financial Year.”

According to the military, the new production line will complement the refurbishment of the existing ammunition manufacturing facility and substantially enhance the corporation’s production capability once the project is completed.

The KDF said the integrated upgrades are expected to improve the quality and consistency of locally manufactured ammunition while expanding output to better support military operations across the country.

Production Capacity Set to Rise

“Once complete, the integrated upgrades are projected to increase production capacity by approximately 35 percent while enhancing the consistent production of high-quality small arms ammunition and related auxiliary products to support KDF operations.”

Military planners view the project as a strategic investment in national security, with growing emphasis being placed on domestic production to reduce exposure to disruptions in global supply chains. By expanding indigenous manufacturing, Kenya aims to ensure uninterrupted access to critical defence equipment during periods of regional or international uncertainty.

The expansion is also expected to improve the country’s ability to sustain military operations without depending heavily on foreign suppliers, a factor increasingly regarded as essential in modern defence planning.

Speaking after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony, General Kahariri commended KOFC for the progress it has made in strengthening Kenya’s defence manufacturing capability and urged staff to maintain high standards of professionalism as the ambitious project moves forward.

He said the corporation continues to play a critical role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the Kenya Defence Forces and remains central to the country’s long-term defence strategy.

Defence Self-Reliance at the Centre

The groundbreaking ceremony followed the 73rd KOFC Board of Directors meeting, where members reviewed strategic initiatives designed to modernise the corporation and align its production capabilities with emerging operational requirements.

During the meeting, the board assessed ongoing projects intended to improve manufacturing efficiency and expand production capacity, with the new ammunition production line identified as one of the key milestones in the corporation’s transformation agenda.

The military says strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing has become increasingly important as countries around the world seek to minimise vulnerabilities caused by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international supply chains.

By investing in local production, the KDF believes it will be able to guarantee a reliable supply of critical military equipment while enhancing national security and operational readiness.

General Kahariri also challenged KOFC personnel to uphold the military’s core values throughout the implementation of the project, saying discipline, professionalism and dedication would be vital to ensuring the success of the modernisation programme.

The KDF noted that the expanded production facility will contribute to long-term strategic sustainability by ensuring essential defence requirements can increasingly be met through locally manufactured products instead of external procurement.

The military further argued that increased domestic production would strengthen Kenya’s defence industrial base while supporting the country’s broader objective of achieving greater strategic independence in military logistics and equipment supply.

The event brought together senior military leadership, including Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda, Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General David Keter, Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno, Director General Defence National Security Industries Major General Faustino Lobaly, and other senior officers alongside the leadership of the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation.