Five Forty Aviation (FFA) Ltd begins passenger flights from Homa Bay

It will now cost Sh7,540 to fly one way between Homa Bay and Nairobi. This became evident yesterday when Five Forty Aviation (FFA) Ltd began its operations by unveiling the first passenger flight at Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay town.

Area Governor Cyprian Awiti was among the first passengers on the plane to Nairobi.

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti (second left) talks with officials of Five Forty Aviation shortly before he boarded their inaugural flight to Nairobi at Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay County yesterday. (PHOTO: JAMES OMORO/ STANDARD)

Addressing the Press before departure, Awiti said operationalisation of the airstrip was going to open the entire South Nyanza region comprising Homa Bay, Kisii, Nyamira and Migori counties as well as parts of the Rift Valley for economic development.

Awiti challenged local residents to venture into horticulture and floriculture to boost their incomes.

He argued that Homa Bay had fertile land and reliable rainfall which could support farming of food crops and flowers.

"I want our people to utilise this airstrip not only for travelling to various destinations but for our economic growth. Horticulture and floriculture are important ventures that can make our people millionaires and this is the right time to begin producing such crops," Awiti said.

He called on hoteliers in the county to boost their services to attract passengers seeking accommodation.

The governor said plans were underway to expand the airstrip.

"I am appealing to our people who live around the airstrip to co-operate because we have started negotiating with them to give us more land for expanding the airstrip so that it becomes an international airport," said Awiti.

In the new facelift, the runway will be extended to 2.5km from the current 1.02 km to accommodate bigger aircraft.

Transport and Infrastructure Executive Eliud Otieno and his Chief Officer Chris Agong' said they were going on with minor works to make the airstrip better.

"We are now working on the apron to do away with dust to ensure passengers are safe... We want the airstrip to meet international standards," said Otieno.

He said they were also clearing bushes around the airstrip to enhance security. FFA Western Kenya Regional Manager Jacob Otieno said a Homa Bay-Nairobi return ticket will cost