Kisumu
Airport Expansion to Boost Exports and Regional Economy
Kisumu, Kenya – In a bold move to enhance
Kenya’s position in international commerce, the government has unveiled plans
to significantly expand Kisumu International Airport. The upgrade aims to
convert the airport into a major cargo and logistics hub capable of handling
direct exports of perishable goods from the western region to overseas markets.
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, speaking
during a public address in Kisumu East, emphasized that the initiative is a
strategic part of the government’s infrastructure development blueprint for the
Lake Region. The expansion will include extending the airport’s runway and
building a state-of-the-art cargo terminal equipped with modern cold storage
technology.
Runway
Expansion and Cargo Terminal to Transform Kisumu into Trade Gateway
According to Owalo, the cold storage
facilities will allow for long-distance transportation of fresh produce such as
fish, African leafy vegetables, and other high-demand agricultural products,
directly from Kisumu to international destinations. This is expected to
preserve the freshness and value of these products while expanding market
access for local farmers.
“We are developing fish landing sites around
Lake Victoria, and once the airport is upgraded, our fishermen and farmers will
have a direct link to global markets,” said Owalo. “This is a game-changer for
the region’s economy.”
The planned airport expansion is expected to
attract investment from logistics firms, agro-processors, and exporters,
creating new job opportunities and revitalizing the local economy. This effort
also forms part of a broader regional development strategy that includes road,
rail, and water infrastructure projects.
Roads,
Rail, and Dams: Infrastructure Overhaul for Western Kenya
Owalo confirmed that the government is
accelerating stalled roadworks, particularly the Muhoroni–Miwani–Mamboleo Road,
where contractors have already received partial payments to resume operations.
He also highlighted ongoing talks with the World Bank to fund the Lake Victoria
Ring Road, a critical route that will encircle the lake, enhancing trade and
tourism across multiple counties.
In addition, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension
from Naivasha to Kisumu remains a national priority, aimed at improving
connectivity for goods and passengers. Alongside this, construction of the Koru–Soin
Dam is planned to support water conservation, flood control, and irrigation in
flood-prone regions like Nyando.
Government
Vows Accountability and Timely Completion
The government has committed to ensuring that
these massive infrastructure projects are executed efficiently and within
schedule. Owalo issued a stern warning to contractors, stating that those who
delay works or fail to meet deadlines will be blacklisted from future
government contracts.
“Some contractors take on more projects than
they can handle. That ends now,” he asserted. “We’re enforcing accountability
and ensuring development reaches every corner of this region.”
The Kisumu Airport expansion marks a pivotal
moment for Kenya’s western region, offering renewed hope for economic
prosperity through modern infrastructure and global market access.
