KAA allocates Ksh 234M to revamp Lichota Airstrip - KBC

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has commenced the upgrading of Migori’s Lichota Airstrip estimated to cost Sh 234 million.

The project which was handed over to M/S Halane Construction Limited on Thursday will see the airstrips runway developed y to bituminous standards and a pavement to accommodate Code 1C aircrafts.

According to Western Regional Airports Manager Mrs Selina Gor who presided over the launch, the proposed rehabilitation works will involve full reconstruction of the runway, construction of a new Apron, Security fence and Patrol road around the facility located some eight kilometers from Migori town and 22 kilometers from the Kenya Tanzania border.

She said the upgrading of the airstrip is part of the Vision 2030 projects aimed at boosting local tourism and scaling the economy of Migori which is strategically positioned as a border county.

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Lichota Airstrip that has a 1,100 meters runway and a 16 meters wide stretch once open will complement the current transport system to boost trades in the gold rich Migori County.

Mrs. Gor said they expect the airstrip to further enhance tourism circuit between Kenya and Tanzania which has witnessed an influx of tourists owing to its proximity to Maasai Mara game reserve, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Thim Lich Ohinga in Nyatike that was recently listed as a world Heritage site.

She observed that KAA will ensure that the project estimated to run for 12 months is done.

Migori County Commissioner Joseph Rotich lauded the move to upgrade the airstrip while noting that the project will turn around the county’s economy.

He said as the county’s development and implementation chair, rest assured proper monitoring and security of the project to its conclusion adding that they had earlier recommended the upgrading of the facility alongside Kisii-Migori highway which is currently underway and are glad that the proposal has come to effect.

Rotich noted that the planned upgrading would decongest Kisumu International Airport hence improving safety and security of passengers.

Joseph Otieno Owande a resident of Suna West urged the contractor to ensure locals benefit from the project while noting that majority of youths lack jobs.

Oruba Ragana ward rep Mellan Ogega said the project should be able to secure employment to majority of youth who are idle adding that where unskilled laborers are required the contractor should hire them.

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