This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Published on July 7, 2020, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is undertaking a major facelift of airstrips in Nyanza and Western regions to spur economic growth and transform air travel.
According to KAA Western Region Manager Selina Gor, the modernisation of Migori, Suneka, and Kakamega airstrips will be a game-changer in opening up regions to trade and tourism.
"We want to ensure that people can board planes almost next to their doorsteps and will also reduce their expenses," said Gor.
The modernisation of Migori Airstrip, which serves South Nyanza and Tanzania, has already begun at a cost of Sh243 million. The project is expected to be completed by June next year.
The expansion of Suneka Airstrip, a few miles away from Migori, is also underway. Leaders in Kisii have been pushing to have the airstrip rehabilitated to enable cargo and passenger airlines to begin plying the region.
Work is also ongoing at the Kitale Airstrip in Trans Nzoia County, which is being elevated to a fully-fledged airport at a cost of Sh220 million. The rehabilitation of Kakamega Airstrip will gobble up Sh174.7 million, with the contractor having 15 months to complete the project.
However, plans to give the neglected Busia Airstrip a face-lift have hit a snag after nine people emerged to claim ownership of its land. Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has identified an alternative site for a new airstrip.
