Kenya begins modernization work on 4 regional airports
Kenya has launched a project to modernize 4 of its regional airports. The objective is to bring them up to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), so that they can receive larger aircrafts.
On Monday February 1, a delegation from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) began a week of inspection of modernization sites at 4 regional airports. The tour started from Kitale Airfield in Kenya's Rift Valley Province. Here, work is focused on the renovation and extension of the airstrip, which will now be 1.45 kilometers long and 23 meters wide. The air traffic will also be lengthened, and will ultimately measure 336 meters long and 39 wide. The security perimeter fence will also be rebuilt.
The goal is to upgrade the platform to category 2B according to ICAO standards. That is, it will now be able to accommodate Dash 6s and CRJ-200s. The visit of the KAA delegation continued on Tuesday at Kakamega airport in the west of the country. The work focuses on upgrading the runway to ICAO 1C standard by September 2021. Concretely, once the site has been delivered, the platform will be able to accommodate Boeing 737-700, Airbus A320 and Embraer ERJ190 type aircraft.
“We are delighted that the contractor is doing a very good job and look forward to the completion of the project,” said Alex Gitari, General Manager of KAA. The Kenya Airports Public Manager's tour will continue during this week, with Migori Airports on the border with Tanzania and Kisii-Suneka.
