KAA set to expand and upgrade major airstrips

By Kepher Otieno

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has embarked on a major expansion, upgrading and rehabilitation programme of airstrips.

"The primary aim of the exercise is to ensure that the airstrips are free from encroachment by the public," KAA deputy managing director Mathews Wamalwa said.

He said the Government had set a side Sh200 million to undertake the exercise this financial year. "We intend to do a minimum of fifteen air strips a year," Wamalwa said, adding that repairs in eight airstrips were on.

Several airstrips are in bad shape due to lack of regular maintenance, especially those in rural areas.

Wamalwa told the Standard that Wajir airstrip in North Eastern Province would be upgraded to a local Airport in the ongoing programme.

Rusinga and Mfangano airstrips would be fenced and expanded to accommodate more light aircrafts.

"This follows the huge number of tourists visiting the area while on an excursion to the historic Island," he said.

The upgrade

Kabunde airstrip in Homabay, Rusinga in Mbita, Macalder and Lichota in Migori, Turkana, and Otaro will be fenced. Wamalwa said they would also put small terminals and public toilets at the strips and deploy permanent security personnel to guard them to keep encroachers at bay.

In Western, major repairs in Kitale and Kakamega airstrips are complete. "Gumbe in Siaya and Sega in Busia will be moved out of the towns. KAA is looking for land to put up new strips," Wamalwa said.

Kerenga in Kericho, Bomet, Narok in south rift, Kajiado and Taita Taveta will also be revamped.