Airstrip to open up western Kenya's rich tourism circuit

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Skyward Express Chairman Captain Mohammed Abdi flagging off first flight from Kakamega airstrip to Wilson airport on December 14, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

The maiden commercial flight to Kakamega last Wednesday marked the opening up of the western region to trade and tourism as the Kenya Airports Authority announced plans to expand the Kakamega airstrip runway to accommodate more flights.

KAA said they were on a mission of opening up the western region to boost trade and tourism and make travel to the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) less stressful.

"We are working closely with Kakamega County under the leadership of governor Fernandes Barasa to realise the objective which would involve additional land acquisition to support the runway expansion project," said KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari.

"If you look at the airstrip's terminal building it's not quite commensurate with the level of business we would like to conduct at this airport. Even if we work on the runway expansion, we would be expanding the terminal building particularly to allow for a departure facility to make sure passengers using this facility are well facilitated."

KAA Western region boss Selina Gor lauded the decision by Skyward Express to launch flights to Kakamega as an eloquent testimony of their confidence in Kakamega and the Western region.

Ms Gor committed to working hand in hand with the county of Kakamega to ensure the airstrip runs seamlessly for the sake of opening up the region.

"We take cognizance of the fact that Kakamega County has not had scheduled commercial flights since May 2014. This inaugural flight by Skyward Express will strengthen the LREB and Kakamega's position as an entry point into Western Kenya.

Mr Gitari revealed they were on an airstrip expansion drive set by the national government that would also involve the expansion of the Migori, Kitale, Nanyuki, and Lanet among others.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who flagged the inaugural flight to Kakamega at Wilson Airport Nairobi said the Kenya Kwanza Administration would grow partnerships with the private sector, including airline operators to improve the country's business environment.

The flagging happened less than a week after President William Samoei Ruto commissioned the rehabilitated Kakamega Airstrip on December 9.

"Many years ago, while I served as a District Officer in Kakamega, it would take me over six hours to travel from Nairobi to the area. With this flight, one will save time and energy for other productive engagements," said Gachagua.

"Air transport is no longer a luxury for the chosen few. It is now a necessity to ease the cost of doing business and make it easy and convenient to travel. The government is keen to enable air transport across most counties to make it easy for people to do business and to open up more tourism opportunities."

He said the people of Western had for a long time requested flights to the town owing to its growth over time both as a commercial and education hub.

Barasa was happy that following the recent upgrade, Kakamega Airstrip can now accommodate Code C aircraft - Q300, Fokker 50 and CRJ in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

"Kisumu airport has been the favourite for commercial crafts operating in the region and many people in Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Busia were forced to travel to Kisumu to have the flights but that is fast changing," said Barasa.

Safarilink for instance flies to Kisumu 23 times a week as Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, operates 27 flights every week to Kisumu.

KAA said it was streamlining the air transport sector in the region and is on a programme to upgrade Kisumu International Airport to have its inaugural freight of fresh produce by January 8.

This follows the expansion of the airport in the LREB to encompass a cargo handling and cold storage facility through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).