Kenya has earmarked Sh460 million to revamp infrastructure in selected small airports and airstrips.
Rehabilitation of the airstrips is expected to bolster plans for domestic airlines, which have upped their investments in inbound destinations.
East African Safaris, Safarilink, and Fly540 have announced plans to fly to more local destinations, signalling increased tourism activity and an uptick in a flying lifestyle among local the local population.
In the case of Kakamega airstrip, the poor state of the runway made Fly540 to use a 19 seater — in its recent venture to the Western region —instead of a 37-seater, with the airline’s management saying the runway needs another layer of tarmac to accommodate the landing of bigger aircraft. Other airstrips that lie in disuse are Garissa, Mandera, Busia, Makindu, Lodwar, Bungoma, and Kitale.
Acting transport minister Amos Kimunya issued a warning to those who have built illegal structures around the facilities, saying the government will demolish them when the notice expires. The government is also courting investors to finance the ongoing expansion of the Jomo Kenyattta International Airport (JKIA), with a target of raising Sh15.5 billion in the near term.
The Kenya Airports Authority has opened negotiations with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to raise the money which the government plans to add on to the Sh9.6 billion it has committed to the project. “Negotiations are proceeding well and KAA will soon sign an agreement with the two lending institutions,” Mr Kimunya, said.
Phase one of the over $600 million project is complete while contractors have been picked to start work on the second phase. Recently EIB extended to Kenya a grant of Sh480 million for the ongoing expansion, with the funds aimed at minimising disruptions at JKIA during repairs of terminals and arrival halls.
The government is also reviewing the design of the third phase, with the expectation that demand for car parking spaces may soon grow beyond earlier projections. Government bureaucrats are working with consultants to craft a new design for building the unit in phase three in a way that would allow for future expansion to meet growing needs for space.
It is expected that the country’s economic leadership in the region set up JKIA as a major transport hub, especially with the unveiling of the East African common market. The expansion of JKIA is aimed at easing traffic pressure and making the country competitive by ensuring efficient handling of passenger flights and cargo traffic. It is among the leading African airports in cargo traffic.
Source: Business Daily
I honestly request for hospitality position in upcoming vacancies in kakamega airstrip. Am a male, 27 years old,mass communication graduate, worked wi th 99.9 Pamoja fm as a volunteer as field reporter and news writing alongside other areas in journalism profession. For any additional information am ready to submit my detailed CV willingly that you will humbly consider my request. Yours faithfully, with thanks.