Sh500m cash boost to complete runway

The upgrade of Isiolo airstrip into an international airport can now continue after the government released Sh500 million for finalising the taxiway.

Deputy President William Ruto said the runway is expected to be complete by May next year for the Sh1.5 billion worth facility to start operations.

He made the announcement on Saturday during a funds drive in aid of Garbatulla Secondary School in Isiolo.

The delay in completing the airport had raised concerns among leaders who accused the government of financing it in “bits and pieces.”

The airport is one of the country’s Vision 2030 flagship projects. Its construction was launched in March 2011 with a one-year timeline.

The work includes construction of a terminal with a capacity of 600,000 passengers a year; an administration block and a parking yard that can accommodate 200 cars.

WATER PROJECT

The government also intends to build a resort city in Isiolo as part of Vision 2030.

Mr Ruto, who was accompanied by Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo, Senators Mohamed Kuti, Kithure Kindiki, Kipchumba Murkomen and Fatuma Dulo, among others, said Sh1 billion has also been set aside to tarmac all roads in Isiolo Town before the end of the year “for Isiolo to be like other towns.”

The DP said Sh70 million will be used to establish a water project in Garbatulla in the next three weeks to ensure residents adequate, clean water.

Mr Ruto also inaugurated the construction of Sh100 million technical training institute in Garbatulla.

Mr Doyo said the tarmacking of 30 kilometres of road in isiolo Town will start soon.

He said his administration was keen on working with the Jubilee government to improve residents’ lives.