The government has set plans to expand Kisumu International Airport in a bid to meet its international aviation standards.
The initiative is aimed at robustly boosting connectivity, supporting the tourism circuit, and enhancing economic growth in the Western and Great Lakes Region.
Significantly, it will fast-track the export of fresh fish and local farm produce (fruits and vegetables).
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo said this will enable airlines to offer direct flights between international airports, enabling passengers to travel without a change of planes.
“We have started our expansion and are poised to create more jobs for the youth and women. The projects that the government is undertaking in Nyanza will greatly revitalise its economy and its people,” Owalo said when he attended the funeral event of the late Silas Ochola in Kajulu West, Wath Orego Village in Kisumu East Sub-County recently.
Owalo reiterated that a new cargo handling terminal fully fitted with cold storage rooms will be built to maintain the quality and freshness of fresh produce.
“Our fisherfolks will immensely benefit as they will be able to export fish directly from Kisumu. In addition, we are already putting up Fish Landing Sites along Lake Victoria, complete with storage facilities. We will also add more fingerlings to the lake to address the dwindling fish population,” he added.
In the upgrade plans, the government is keen on increasing the airport’s passenger handling capacity to one million per year.
A visit to the lca.logcluster.org website shows that the airport’s Total Aircraft Movements are 10,924, and it handles 538,548 passengers annually (Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator-2023).
The airport’s asphalt-surfaced runway is designated as 06/24, and it will be extended from its current 10,826 feet, and 2040 meters long.
Its initial renovations and expansion began in 2008, and its new terminal was officially opened by the late President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga in February 2012.
It was a grand project that included the construction of a cargo apron, parallel taxiway, and other facilities.
Building 400 Markets
In line with the Bottoms Up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA), Owalo pointed out that the government has kick-started the building of 400 Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets across the country.
“The ESP markets are ultra-modern markets designed to provide Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) traders with facilities. The facilities include cold storage, lactation for mothers, and modern washrooms,’’ he said.
To stimulate the local economies and support the sector, Owalo revealed that they have identified Kibuye and Mamboleo as beneficiaries of ESP in the lakeside city.
He further said that the construction of the 63 km Mamboleo-Miwani-Muhoroni-Kipsitet road will resume immediately following the payment of the three contractors.
“We are determined to complete this road. The three slots were awarded to three contractors to shorten their completion period,” Owalo said.
Slot 1 running from Mamboleo Junction to Miwani was allocated to China Railway Tenth Group, while Sino Hydro (Miwani-Chemelil) and H Young (23 Kms Chemelil-Kipsitet), are handling Slots 2 and 3, respectively.
“The government will blacklist contractors who fail to complete their work within the stipulated time even after receiving payments. We will ensure that they aren’t awarded future projects,” he warned.
Similarly, he indicated that plans are in advanced stages to begin the construction of the Lake Victoria Ring Road.
It will start from Busia, pass through Kisumu-Homa Bay, and terminate in Migori County.
“The road redesign and feasibility studies have been undertaken, and the National Treasury is pursuing funds. The World Bank has expressed its willingness to support it,” Owalo said while noting that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, remains key.
The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) study team has completed delineating and mapping the Phase 2B SGR route, which will cover 262 km.
He also emphasised that the Koru-Soin and Magwagwa (Kisii) Dams will adequately sort out flooding, irrigation, water, and electricity connectivity for the local community.
Owalo eulogised the departed Ochola, whom he knew in the 1980s as an honest man, very disciplined and well-organised.
