KDF Starts Construction of New Ammunition Production Line in Eldoret

Chief of Defence Charles Kahariri at Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched the construction of a new ammunition production line at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret as part of a wider defence modernisation programme.

vChief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri at Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri at Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 6, KDF said the project will expand local ammunition manufacturing, strengthen operational readiness and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.

KDF Pushes Defence Self-Reliance

KDF said the investment will help Kenya build greater strategic self-reliance by increasing domestic production capacity and adopting modern defence technologies.

The military stated that the new facility will support a more reliable supply of critical defence equipment for KDF operations.

General Kahariri Presides Over Groundbreaking

Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri chaired the 73rd Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation Board of Directors Meeting before officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the new production line.

KDF said KOFC Managing Director Major General George Okumu received the CDF upon arrival at the Eldoret facility.

Board Reviews Modernisation Projects

During the meeting, the board reviewed KOFC’s progress in implementing its strategic objectives and assessed ongoing projects aimed at modernising manufacturing systems.

Directors also evaluated initiatives designed to improve production capabilities in response to emerging operational requirements.

New Line to Complement Existing Facility

KDF described the new production line as a major milestone that will work alongside the refurbishment of the current ammunition manufacturing facility.

According to the military, the combined upgrades will significantly strengthen KOFC’s production capacity.

Three-Phase Programme Targets 2027/2028 Completion

KDF said the modernisation programme will run in three phases, with the first phase already underway.

The military expects to complete the entire project during the 2027/2028 Financial Year.

Once completed, the upgraded facilities are projected to increase ammunition production capacity by about 35 per cent while supporting the consistent production of high-quality small arms ammunition and related products for KDF operations.

Defence Ministry Announces Next Recruitment Stage

Separately, the Ministry of Defence has announced the next stage of recruitment for 106 shortlisted applicants competing for civilian positions within KDF.

The ministry said the candidates are competing for 30 garden assistant positions and 15 support staff/sanitary cleaner vacancies.

Officials will conduct the interviews over four days, from August 18 to August 21, at Ulinzi House on Lenana Road in Nairobi.

The ministry has directed all candidates to present their original national identity cards, academic certificates, professional certificates and testimonials during the interviews.