Western,Kenya: Kakamega Airstrip has reopened after three years of upgrading.
The airstrip in Shinyalu Constituency is located three kilometers from Kakamega town, and is regarded as a crucial transport infrastructure in the county.
Fly 540 Aviation Company and East Africa Airline Services have commissioned their planes to operate one daily 8.30am flight from the renovated airstrip starting on July 14.
Peter Wafula, a Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) official, called on residents and visitors to embrace air travel to sustain the route and the airstrip's operations.
He also asked the county government to ensure constant supply of electricity and water to the facility.
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"There should be constant supply of electricity and water to enhance operations. The community must also support the project so that it does not collapse for lack of passengers," said Wafula.
Urgent needs
Wafula also hinted at a survey to map out plans for the airstrip's improvement, adding that lack of adequate security and reliable supply of water and electricity need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Kakamega town has been experiencing severe power outages of late, which has affected business.
The renovations to the airstrip include rehabilitation and extension of the 1.3km runway.
Nickson Ooko, the Chief Executive Officer of Fly 540 Aviation, asked the county government to invest in securing the facility and extending the runway.
Governor Wycliffe Oparanya assured residents that his team would address the challenges raised by KAA to make ensure air operations are not disrupted.
"My government will look into challenges raised by KAA," said Oparanya.
