The Migori airstrip, also known as Lichota airstrip, is set to receive a massive upgrade at a cost of Sh242 million.
The renovation works to take one year is planned to start immediately according to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Western region manager Ms. Selina Gor.
Speaking when she led a team of senior KAA officials and the Migori County Security members in the inspection of the airstrip yesterday, Ms. Gor said a contractor had already been identified and will move to the site any time next week.
She said the works to be done in two phases will involve a major overhaul including extending the current 1.1km runway to 1.2km and tarmacking it to the required standards in the initial phase.
“Within this phase we are also going to construct a modern apron, a taxing way, a terminal building and all that goes with it,” she announced to the team.
She said in phase two KAA intends to carry out major improvements that will allow the airstrip to accommodate even bigger aircrafts and more passengers.
Gor said the airstrip has been identified as being viable since it is located in a region that serves as an important link between Kenya and Tanzania.
It sits near Migori town whose cosmopolitan nature has made it to be among the fastest growing towns and most viable commercial centre in Kenya.
Tourists heading to the world’s popular tourists destinations- Maasai Mara and Serengeti Game Parks and, the World’s heritage archeological site in Migori – Thim Lich Ohinga – will have an opportunity to use the improved airstrip and enjoy fastest means to reach their destinations in Migori and Tanzania.
Migori County Commissioner Joseph Rotich who led the local security team during the exercise termed the airstrip as a key enabler in revolutionizing the region’s economy.
“With an increase in tourist passengers in the area, local hospitality facilities will enjoy a revamped business hence the scaled-up economy of the region,” he noted.
Mr. Rotich consequently urged the local leadership to embrace the project and publicize it to make it a success.
By George Agimba
