The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) technical team has visited Ikanga Airstrip to inspect security, structural compliance, and other aviation prerequisites before flight operations begin on December 8th.
KAA’s security manager, Ken Ngaina, expressed satisfaction with the integrity of structures and security standards and pledged to ensure the airstrip’s operationality by the end of December, focusing on flight operations.
“So far, we’re impressed by the work that has been done here in terms of structures and security. Now the ball is in our court to ensure that flight operations are up and running,” said Ngaina.
Recommendations for pending works made by Steven Njiru, KAA’s engineer, touched on rehabilitating the passengers’ waiting bay, restrooms, and a fence around the entire airstrip to bolster safety and security.
“Once the passengers’ waiting bay and restrooms are renovated and a fence runs around the entire airstrip, it will be all systems go for the first flight to land and take off here,” said Njiru.
Taita Taveta County’s Trade Department Programmes Officer, Edward Lenjo, praised KAA’s swift operationalization of the airstrip, citing potential benefits from domestic and international tourists and businesses.
“We’re delighted that once the airstrip is operational, our county and the region will benefit from an inflow of tourists and the start of support businesses,” said Lenjo.
The operationalization of Ikanga Airstrip, which has been under work for several years, will be a crucial factor in unlocking the untapped tourism potential of Taita Taveta County, with the twin national parks of Tsavo East and Tsavo
By Arnold Linga Masila
