The over Sh173 million Diani Airport expansion project in Kwale County is on track and at 97 percent complete.
The Airport offers domestic aviation services to passengers at the coastal region and the expansion project seeks to enhance Kwale’s tourism potential.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Coast Regional Manager, Eng. Wellington Abwok, says once the construction project is finalized, Diani Airport will be able to accommodate larger aircrafts, boost tourism and enhance revenue and overall economy of the region.
He said the expansion and upgrading of the domestic airport by Cementers Ltd is progressing steadily with significant advancements across various work packages.
Eng. Abwok stated that the construction of the runway, taxi lanes, apron, watchtower and other related works at the domestic airport are almost complete.
“The existing runway has been extended from the current length of 200 meters to 1,400 meters to enable the airport to accommodate wide-bodied aircrafts,” he said.
He said the main contractor Cementers Ltd with 50 years of experience has assured that the remaining works will be over in two weeks’ time.
The KAA senior official said the centerpiece of the upgrades is the new apron pavements, runways and taxiways, all aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and operational capacity.
Other activities include construction of a new fire station and the relocation of the Airs Traffic Control Tower (ATCT).
“The expansion initiative such as upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, drainage and other aviation related infrastructure aims to accommodate growing passenger traffic and larger aircrafts,” he said.
Eng. Abwok, who was flanked by Diani Airport Manager, Bernadine Mundui and Cementers Ltd representative, Eng. Steve Olunga, said the airport has witnessed a steady rise in passenger traffic in recent years, especially during the peak tourist seasons.
The project is expected to ease traffic, support local businesses, and promote economic development.
He said the expansion initiative aims to accommodate growing passenger traffic and improve airport facilities, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key coastal regional aviation hub.
Eng. Abwok was speaking when he received the National Government Development-County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC).
The NGD-CICMC team led by Kwale County Commissioner (CC), Stephen Orinde, was on an inspection tour of several infrastructure projects in the coastal county.
Orinde said the inspection Committee visited the Diani Airport to ensure that the development progress is smooth and aligns with the expansion and upgrade plans.
The CC said the expansion of Diani Airport is a transformative project that is set to elevate the coastal County of Kwale as a key hub for trade and tourism.
He said the project is already bringing benefits, creating jobs during construction and promising to uplift businesses in tourism, hospitality, and local trade.
Orinde said Kwale’s rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches makes it a prime destination for domestic and international tourists and with improved accessibility, the Airport will drive economic growth and turn the County into a vibrant coastal economy.
Meanwhile, Eng. Abwok said KAA will soon operationalize the Ikanga Airstrip in Voi, Taita Taveta County after rehabilitation works.
He said this comes after the KAA pumped Sh8 million to rehabilitate the dormant airstrip and that the facility now awaits its inaugural flight anytime soon.
“Efforts to operationalize the Ikanga Airstrip by KAA are in top gear, signaling a potential turning point for the region’s economy and connectivity,” he said.
He noted that Taita Taveta’s rich natural endowments, including national parks and mineral resources, could benefit immensely from improved air connectivity.
Eng. Abwok said the Airstrip, whose previous expansion and upgrade project stalled in 2015, presents an opportunity for Taita Taveta to unlock its tourism potential and attract more investors.
He said KAA needed to rehabilitate the Ikanga Airstrips’ aging runways, runway and taxi lanes markings, fencing and putting-up windsocks.
The KAA senior official said other facilities including terminals and equipment were old and required significant upgrades, to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Eng. Abwok said the rehabilitation of the Airstrip has become imperative, to enable people and tourists to move around the country, especially the hinterland.
Taita Taveta County hopes the operationalization of the Ikanga Airstrip will not only open up access for tourists, but also ease business logistics, enhance inter-county linkages, and help attract investment to the region known for its hidden treasures.
By Hussein Abdullahi
