The National government in conjunction with Trans Nzoia county government are set to expand Kitale Airstrip in a move expected to increase air traffic at the facility.
Speaking on Thursday after receiving a delegation from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who called on him in his office, the Trans Nzoia governor, Patrick Khaemba said the county has been receiving few flights owing to the size of the runway at the Kitale airstrip.
“After the expansion, we expect increased business activities in our County,” said Khaemba
The KAA North Rift Regional Manager, Walter Agong said KAA has already committed Sh.150Million to support the project, adding the runway will be expanded to 2 kilometers to accommodate bigger aircraft.
He revealed that in the next financial year KAA plans to construct a new terminal among other facilities at the airstrip.
Khaemba also disclosed that the county is in the process of acquiring 50 acres of land near the airstrip that he said will be utilized to ensure that Kitale airstrip meets the International standards.
He however, asked the national land commission to move with speed and address the issue of land grabbing that he said has grounded the Airstrip future expansion and upgrading plans.
Governor Khaemba who toured the Kitale Airstrip was accompanied by County assembly Roads and Infrastructure Chairman, Alfred Weswa, CEC Lands, Christine Tanguli, County Secretary, Sifuna Wakofula among other county staff.
By Moses Wekesa
