Western counties plan airstrips upgrade for tourism, trade take-off

A worker spruces up the Kabunde Airstrip runway in Homa Bay. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI 

By MOSES ODHIAMBO

In Summary

• Move comes just days after Homa Bay launched regular commercial flights from its refurbished Kabunde Airstrip.

Western Kenya counties have lined up key regional airstrips for upgrade in a new transport improvement initiative that also seeks to rev up tourism in ...
Lake Victoria basin.

Governors, working together under the Lake Region Economic Bloc, seek to link six airstrips to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to open up the region for trade.

The priority airstrips are Sega and Gombe in Siaya, Suneka in Kisii, Lichota (Migori), Kaimosi (Vihiga) and Busia airstrip. Talks are also at advanced stage about making Kakamega airstrip a more active facility.

Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti, a member of the bloc that brings together 12 counties, said the initiative seeks to ease movement of people and even trade.

Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, and Migori counties are members of the bloc that also includes Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Trans Nzoia and Kericho.

The move comes just days after Homa Bay County launched regular commercial flights from its refurbished Kabunde Airstrip. Two airlines — Fly540 and Barracuda Airways— currently fly their 30-seater aircraft daily on the Homa Bay-Nairobi route.

“Our dream is to make good use of the airways and seaways for cheaper and faster transport to boost trade,” said Mr Awiti.

“The development of such infrastructure will reduce the cost of doing business.”

He added: “Most of our visitors who are often under pressure to travel back to Nairobi in time can now stay longer without fear of missing their flights.”

Passengers have had to travel to Kisumu International Airport to get a plane to their various destinations.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma who is the chairman of the Western counties trading bloc, said the development sets the stage for fish and horticultural exports to the European Union.

“The airstrips will definitely link us to the Kisumu port whose revival is also being discussed. The long wait for enablers must now end and we remain committed as governors to make it feasible,” Mr Ranguma said.

He said they would also introduce goods and passenger ships across the lake.

Mr Peter Munyao, an official of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, said western Kenya was better placed to grow its economies by developing thefacilities which have remained idle for many years despite their potential.

“Most of these airstrips, when built to the required standards, can be certified for general aviation,” Mr Munyao said.