The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched the construction of a new ammunition production line at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret.
In a statement on Thursday, August 6, KDF said the initiative forms part of a broader modernisation strategy aimed at expanding domestic production capacity, improving operational readiness and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
"By expanding domestic production capacity and investing in modern defence technologies, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), through the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC), is enhancing strategic self-reliance, reducing dependence on external supply chains and ensuring a reliable flow of critical defence equipment to sustain operational readiness," the statement read.
According to KDF, the latest milestone was marked by the 73rd Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation Board of Directors Meeting, which was chaired by Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri before he officially broke ground for the new ammunition production line.
"The Kenya Defence Forces took another significant step toward this goal when the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, presided over the 73rd Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation Board of Directors Meeting before officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for a new ammunition production line at KOFC in Eldoret.
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"Upon arrival, the CDF was received by the Managing Director of KOFC, Major General George Okumu," the statement added.
KDF noted that during the board meeting, directors evaluated the corporation's progress in implementing its strategic objectives and reviewed projects designed to modernise its manufacturing systems.
"During the Board meeting, members reviewed the Corporation’s strategic progress and assessed ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising production capabilities to meet emerging operational requirements," the statement further read.
According to KDF, the board also highlighted the launch of the new production line as a major development that will work alongside the ongoing refurbishment of the existing facility to expand KOFC's manufacturing capacity.
"A key milestone was the launch of the new ammunition production line, which will complement the refurbishment of the existing production facility and significantly strengthen the Corporation’s manufacturing capability," the statement noted.
KDF said the modernisation programme is being rolled out in three phases, with the first phase already in progress and the entire project expected to be completed during the 2027/2028 Financial Year.
"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," the statement read.
Once all phases are complete, KDF said the upgraded facilities are expected to raise ammunition production capacity by about 35 per cent.
"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," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, the Ministry of Defence has announced the next stage of recruitment for 106 applicants who have been shortlisted for civilian positions within KDF.
In a notice earlier Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said the shortlisted candidates are competing for 30 garden assistant positions and 15 support staff/sanitary cleaner vacancies.
According to the ministry, interviews will be conducted over four days, from Tuesday, August 18, to Friday, August 21, with two interview sessions scheduled each day at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The Ministry of Defence further announced that all interviews will be conducted at its headquarters in Nairobi.
"The interviews will be conducted at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ulinzi House, Lenana Road, Nairobi," the notice read.
Applicants have also been instructed to carry all the required original documents to facilitate verification during the interview process.
"Candidates must present the following original documents at the interview: national identity card; academic and professional certificates; and testimonials," the notice added.
