Sh2.9 billion Kisumu Airport upgrade on course —official

By KEPHER OTIENO

Kisumu Airport will start receiving international flights by March next year.

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director George Muhoho said upgrading of the facility was in progress and expected to complete on schedule.

"Going by the speed at which the work is moving, we are sure by next year the facility will be ready for use," he disclosed.

The expansion will cost Sh2.9 billion. The contract was awarded to Chinese overseas engineering Company.

Work on the airport started on October 29 last year and was to take 22 months. According to the site project engineer’s representative Patrick Kain, phase one of the project that involved gravelling the runway is complete.

"The second phase will end in September 2 this year. The final work will end on March 20," he said.

The upgrade will also see construction of the run way and increase its length by 3,000 metres.

Currently, work on the run way extension was 67 per cent complete, taxi way and Apron 37 per cent, while Air field Ground Lightening was 12 per cent complete.

Other complete areas are terminal building (five per cent) and car parking bay 33 per cent.

KAA Legal Officer John Tito said they had compensated a big number of the Kogony clan that donated land for the expansion. The officials were speaking during a site tour.