The Kakamega airstrip is set to officially commence full flight operations on Wednesday, December 14, when it will receive its first maiden flight, days after it was commissioned by President William Ruto.
On Thursday last week, the president commissioned the Kakamega Airstrip’s newly rehabilitated Runway and Taxiway and its expanded Apron after undergoing rehabilitation works at a cost of Sh174.7 million.
The works were undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Following the rehabilitation works, the airstrip’s pavements can now accommodate Code C aircraft - Q300, Fokker 50 and CRJ in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Stakeholders believe the expansion and subsequent upgrade of the Kakamega Airstrip will be an important enabler to achieving economic growth and development in the County.
The airstrip is located in Kakamega town in Western Kenya, close to the international border with the Republic of Uganda.
Kakamega governor Fernandez Barasa believes the airstrip will play a huge part in decongesting the Kisumu International airport.
Travellers from western Kenya areas like Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma will now be able to use the airstrip instead of having to travel to Kisumu for the same.
The current improved state of the airstrip will now be able to accommodate both cargo and passenger aircraft as it has been renovated to international standards.
The governor noted that the recent upgrade of the airstrip sets the stage for integration into the global economy, and provides the stage for vital connectivity on a national, regional and international scale.
He said flights using the airport will be critical in generating trade, promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities.
“Kakamega is going big and we are glad for such opportunities that obviously impact positively on our economy, “said Barasa.
He called on communities living around the Airstrip to cooperate with the County leadership in providing enough land that will be used for the expansion of the Airstrip that he reiterated will positively impact the Lake Region Economic Block.
“I encourage Kakamega residents to use the airstrip since it will be affordable as we plan for its expansion,” he said.