Construction of Nakuru International Airport to start soon
The long-awaited conversion of the Lanet military airfield to an international public airport (Nakuru Airport) is expected to get underway after the close of the bidding process that started early last month. We are talking about a project designed since 2004.
Fully funded by the Kenyan government to the tune of 3 billion shillings (23.5 million euros), the project will be implemented in two stages.
The initial phase will include the construction of a 1.7 km track, the rehabilitation of the current track, the erection of a fence and the construction of the taxiways. This first step will also involve the construction of a terminal, a technical block, a barracks for the fire-fighting services and a lodge for the military.
Once completed, it will help open the region to the world, boosting tourism and the flower trade. In fact, Nakuru County produces nearly 70% of Kenya's flower exports. Currently, these products are exported around the world through Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located more than 100 kilometers from the region. To achieve this, they are transported by refrigerated trucks. With the Nakuru platform, it will no longer be necessary to make this long road trip.
Nakuru International Airport will also serve as an alternative hub for flights which are often redirected to Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret in case of emergency.
