KAA Okays operations at Isiolo International Airport

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Yatich Kangungo (red tie), Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo (third right) and other stakeholders during a tour of the Isiolo International Airport on May 6, 2016. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The airport is part of the Vision 2030 flagship projects and is expected to promote growth and unlock the economic potential of the region and the neighbouring pastoralist areas.
  • East African Safari Air Express director George Kivindyo who accompanied the KAA MD said the facility was virtually ready and the company was looking forward to start working.

Isiolo International Airport has been cleared to start operations following inspection by engineers from Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

The KAA Managing director Yatich Kangugo who led an assessment crew comprising of aeronautical and structural engineers on Friday said they were satisfied with the project.

Mr Kangugo said the Sh2.7 billion facility would begin operation within the next four weeks.

The airport is part of the Vision 2030 flagship projects and is expected to promote growth and unlock the economic potential of the region and the neighbouring pastoralist areas.

It has a 4,500 square meter passenger terminal building with a capacity to handle 125,000 passengers annually.

The KAA official further added that the ultra-modern airport constructed in three phases will boost business in Northern Kenya.

“With only four international airports in Kenya, opening this facility will increase the number to five,” said Mr Kangugo.

He however recommended that the 1.4km runway should be extended to accommodate and ease landing of bigger aircrafts.
“Already, some of the affected residents have been compensated but we plan to resettle others who are near the facility,” said Mr Kangugo.

He added that challenges of supply of water and electricity to the facility will be addressed in two weeks.

“The facility is however ready for partial operations, but other work will start after operation,” he said.

Runway, patrol roads, arrival and departure terminals, parking bay among other areas were approved for operation.

East African Safari Air Express director George Kivindyo who accompanied the KAA MD said the facility was virtually ready and the company was looking forward to start working.

Mr Kivindyo said another two weeks will be used to market the airport both nationally and internationally ahead of its opening.

Isiolo governor Godana Doyo hailed the national government for turning the region into an economic hub.

“Once the project is operational, it will unlock the economic potential in the region,” said Mr Doyo.

The governor was confident the new facility will not elicit conflicts despite sitting along the Meru-Isiolo border.

Governor Doyo and his Meru counterpart Peter Munya have been in constant conflicts over boundary of the two counties.