This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has embarked on a major upgrade of Migori's Lichota Airstrip, a project estimated to cost Sh 234 million.
On Thursday, KAA handed over the project to M/S Halane Construction Limited, which will see the airstrip's runway developed to bituminous standards and a pavement to accommodate Code 1C aircrafts.
According to Western Regional Airports Manager Mrs Selina Gor, the proposed rehabilitation works will involve full reconstruction of the runway, construction of a new Apron, Security fence and Patrol road around the facility located some eight kilometers from Migori town and 22 kilometers from the Kenya Tanzania border.
She noted that the upgrading of the airstrip is part of the Vision 2030 projects aimed at boosting local tourism and scaling the economy of Migori which is strategically positioned as a border county.
Once completed, the airstrip with a 1,100 meters runway and a 16 meters wide stretch will complement the current transport system to boost trades in the gold rich Migori County.
Mrs. Gor said they expect the airstrip to further enhance tourism circuit between Kenya and Tanzania which has witnessed an influx of tourists owing to its proximity to Maasai Mara game reserve, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Thim Lich Ohinga in Nyatike that was recently listed as a world Heritage site.
Migori County Commissioner Joseph Rotich lauded the move to upgrade the airstrip while noting that the project will turn around the county's economy.
He said as the county's development and implementation chair, proper monitoring and security of the project to its conclusion will be ensured, adding that they had earlier recommended the upgrading of the facility alongside Kisii-Migori highway which is currently underway and are glad that the proposal has come to effect.
Rotich noted that the planned upgrading would decongest Kisumu International Airport hence improving safety and security of passengers.
Residents of Suna West, including Joseph Otieno Owande and Oruba Ragana ward rep Mellan Ogega, welcomed the project, urging the contractor to ensure locals benefit from the project and secure employment to majority of youth who are idle.
