Govt Planning To Expand 2 Kenyan Airports
Kenya, through the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has been embarking on expanding major airports in the country to meet passenger demand amidst growth in air travel
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir told the Senate on Wednesday, April 9, that the government is actively working on upgrading Moi International Airport and Eldoret International Airport.
He said the expansion plans are key to boosting the airports' capacity, allowing them to handle more airlines and passengers.
Specifically, Moi International Airport is getting its runway and facilities, including lounges, upgraded to prepare for the arrival of two new airlines: Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, both recently approved to operate there.
Chirchir added that enhancing the airport's infrastructure will help create a better experience for the growing number of travelers headed to the region, which is known for its strong tourism appeal.
Moi International Airport in Mombasa. /WIKIPEDIA
"Given the two additional airlines that are going to be landing at the airport, we will have to upgrade the airport. We are working on the runway; also, there are some underground streams and pavements that we are working on; also, there are private and dignitary launches that have been set up," he said.
"These facilities will be important to offer the customer service that will match the guests that we will receive. But even as we do that, we are very cautious in managing frequencies with our counterpart airlines so that we may get commensurate frequencies on our national carrier."
The CS also confirmed that the government plans to extend Eldoret International Airport's runway from 3.5 kilometers to 4 kilometers. However, he pointed out that this expansion is delayed due to an ongoing land dispute that's preventing progress.
Once the expansion is complete, the CS explained, the airport will be able to accommodate larger airlines, boosting business in the agriculture-driven Rift Valley region.
"There is a dispute that is hindering us from extending the length of the runway, but a lot of work is being done to ensure that it is being resolved," he added.
The CS assured that he would provide a comprehensive report outlining the parties responsible for the airports' expansion. "Allow me to bring a substantive answer to this issue because I know we want the names of the engineers and what universities they went to," he said.
Kenya, through the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has been embarking on expanding major airports in the country to meet passenger demand amidst growth in air travel, a matter that has helped in the positive upward trajectory in the aviation sector in the country.
KAA in March this year revealed plans to expand the Malindi International Airport in a bid to improve its standards and handle more tourists flying directly to the coastal town.
Another airport lined up for expansion is the Diani Airport, with Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announcing on Saturday, October 12, 2024, that the airport's expansion is a transformative project that is set to elevate Kwale County as a key hub for trade and tourism.
Ongoing expansion works at Diani Airport in Kwale County. /RAYMOND OMOLLO
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