Kenya’s fourth international airport opens in Kisumu

By Ben Kinyanjui

President Mwai Kibaki Thursday opened Kenya’s fourth international airport in Kisumu as efforts to open up transport and communication sector in East Africa gather momentum.President Kibaki says infrastructure is key to development

The airport upgraded at a cost of Sh3 billion is expected to open up the western Kenyan region that is suitable for commercial farming as well as fishing around Lake Victoria.

President Kibaki said another Sh1.9 billion has been set aside for the implementation of phase two of the upgrading project. The country now has four major airports that include Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, Moi Airport in Mombasa and Eldoret Airport.

"This phase will include the construction of a parallel taxiway, cargo apron and associated facilities," President Kibaki said.

The President said air transport and the aviation sector is a strategic industry in the global economy because of its critical role of providing quick transportation of people and goods.

Kenya exports fish worth over Sh7 billion annually to the European union, most of it from Lake Victoria and the new airport will now make it easier for the exporters as the facility can handle bigger cargo planes.

However, air transport in Kenya and the region is seen as expensive and exclusive to the elite club, a situation reinforced by the few number of local airlines operating domestic routes.

The handful local airlines have opted to concentrate their flights to the neighbouring countries, most of which do not even have national carriers. These routes pay more than four times the local routes.

Kenya Airways still remain the dominant player both domestically and in the region with the newly independent South Sudan being the favoured destination by most local air operators.

"The largest type of passenger and cargo aircraft will now be able to land at this airport. This presents enormous opportunities for trade and investments,” said the President.

President Kibaki challenged entrepreneurs engaged in the import and export business to explore new avenues of business within Kisumu and its environs so as to attract international cargo carriers.

He singled out tourism sector as the sector the entrepreneurs would venture into through aggressively marketing of tourist destinations such as Rusinga Island and Kakamega Forest.

"I wish to challenge residents of this region to take advantage of the investments we are making. In particular I wish to see increased production so that the expanded airports and improved roads can be used to better the lives