Kilifi North Member of the National Assembly Owen Baya has asked the National Government to prioritise the expansion of the Malindi Airport, terming it a critical step towards revitalising tourism and unlocking economic opportunities in the North Coast region.
Speaking at the Marafa Vocational Training Centre in Magarini Sub County during the issuance of compensation cheques to families of victims of human-wildlife conflicts, the MP said an expanded Malindi airport was critical in boosting the numbers of international tourists visiting the area.
Baya, who is also the National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, said the expansion of the air facility would enable direct flights from Europe, Malindi’s premier tourism market, and thus boost tourism numbers.
He stressed that boosting tourism would revitalise the economy of Malindi town, which has for years relied on the sector, and create employment for young people across Kilifi County.
“The tourism sector in Malindi once thrived, but the decline in infrastructure and closure of many hotels has hurt the local economy. Reviving it begins with improving access, and that means expanding our airport,” Baya said.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa echoed Baya’s concerns, pointing out that Kilifi remains one of the Coast region’s most attractive tourist destinations and deserves improved connectivity to compete globally.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who presided over the issuance of the cheques worth about Sh60 million, pledged the government’s commitment to restoring Malindi town as Kenya’s tourism hub.
She said she would liaise with her counterpart in the Ministry of Roads and Infrastructure to prioritise the expansion of the Malindi Airport.
She acknowledged the slow recovery of the industry following the COVID-19 pandemic but expressed hope for revitalisation through strategic partnerships.
“We are committed to working with the county government, private sector, and local leaders to chart a sustainable path forward for tourism, and expanding Malindi Airport is a proposal I will personally follow up on,” she said.
County Commissioner Josphat Biwott exonerated the government from blame over the delay in expanding the airport, saying that the challenge facing the airport expansion was the acquisition of land.
“We as Kilifi leaders must sit down together and agree on a way forward. The biggest challenge we are currently facing at the airport is that those occupying the land we have earmarked for the project are squatters who have occupied the private land. The people who own the land are not the ones occupying it; those currently on site are squatters,” he said, adding that it had been difficult to attract investors in Kilifi and other parts of the Coast region because of squatters who have invaded private land, forcing the landowners to flee with their title deeds.
He noted that the Kenya Airports Authority and the National Lands Commission had already identified squatters on phase two of the project but lamented that those in phase one who had already received compensation for buildings and trees had gone to court demanding to be paid for the land.
“We have tried our best through the court process and resolved the cases. If we were directly dealing with the genuine landowners, our work would be easier. Once we begin to respect private property,” he emphasised.
Malindi Airport currently handles only domestic flights, limiting access for international tourists who must travel through Mombasa or Nairobi. Local leaders argue that a modern, expanded airport would not only serve tourists but also promote regional trade and investment.
By Shani Rhai and Emmanuel Masha
