Kisumu remains fully committed to offering a conducive environment for investment, business expansion and innovation, through the provision of the required infrastructure in order to spur economic growth.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said Kisumu City’s role as the nerve centre for regional development within the Lake Victoria Basin cannot be overemphasized considering its close proximity to other East African regional markets, including Uganda.
“This proximity enhances the city’s stature as a centre for policy dialogue, environmental management, trade, and shared prosperity and the lakeside City is soon emerging as the regional business hub, not only in the Lake Victoria Basin Economic Block , but also in the entire East Africa region,” Nyong`o stated.
The remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Dr. Mathew Owili, during the launch of the inaugural Safarilink flight from Kisumu – Entebbe in Uganda at the Kisumu International Airport on Monday. Also present during the launch was the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Chair, Caleb Kositany and Safarilink Aviation Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Alex Avedi.
The Governor noted that the new flight comes at a very opportune moment when the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) recently inaugurated its head office, just a stone’s throw from the airport, thus confirming Kisumu City, as a business hub in the East African region.
“LVBC officials from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC no longer have to go all the way to Nairobi before coming to work or endure long road travels from their countries. We are now just 45 minutes away from Entebbe!” Nyong’o remarked.
He added that the launch of the Kisumu–Entebbe sector flight by Safarilink Airline is “ not just an addition to our travel routes but a bold step toward deeper regional integration, enhanced economic growth, and improved connectivity for the people of East and Central Africa and for the City County of Kisumu.”
“Kisumu International Airport continues to position itself as the natural gateway to the East African region, connecting traders, innovators, investors, and travelers seeking opportunities for growth and cooperation.
Our city’s strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria has historically made us the centre of commerce, and today, we reaffirm this role with modern infrastructure and visionary partnerships such as this one,” Nyong’o added.
The Governor observed that with the new flight route, travelers will enjoy faster, more efficient, and more reliable travel between Kenya and Uganda, improving time management, easing the movement of goods and businesspeople.
“It will also help support social, cultural, and economic exchanges across our borders. This connection is particularly important at a time when the region continues to expand its markets and strengthen trade and cooperation frameworks,” the Governor said.
He announced that the construction of the Airport’s modern control tower is now complete, paving the way for increased air traffic and improved safety standards, and the ongoing runway expansion from 3.5 kilometers to 4.5 kilometers will allow the airport to accommodate aircraft with wider wingspans, effectively opening the door for more international airlines and more diverse routes.
“This expansion is not merely an infrastructural upgrade; it is a strategic investment in Kisumu’s long-term future, one that will attract more visitors, facilitate export growth, and enhance our competitiveness as a transport and logistics hub for the entire region,” Nyong`o notes.
He added that the County now anticipated even greater transformation once the National government embarks on the establishment of cold rooms and warehousing facilities at the Airport, to transport agricultural products from the region to the international market.
The Governor advised Kisumu residents and the wider region to seize the opportunities that come with this enhanced connectivity, deepen trade ties, and build a future where Kisumu stands tall as a regional powerhouse.
The government has concluded the construction of a new State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control Tower at the Kisumu International Airport, a development expected to significantly enhance safety, efficiency and airspace management at one of Kenya’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
The Tower is now complete and awaiting final equipment transfer, before full commissioning.
Safarilink Aviation Limited has unveiled a series of significant schedule changes for 2026, including a brand-new connection between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Entebbe, thus strengthening regional connectivity across East Africa and providing improved travel options for both leisure and business passengers.
The daily flights from Kisumu to Entebbe will cost Sh. 14,000 one way, while one way from Wilson Airport to Entebbe will cost Sh. 19,000.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) has a population of between 14 and 14.9 million, which is about 30 to 31 percent of Kenya’s population, and its agricultural sector alone contributes around 29 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The 14-county bloc is, therefore, a key economic and food security hub for Kenya.
The 14 member counties include Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Nandi, Kisumu, and Kericho, which will reap huge benefits from the expansion of the Kisumu Airport.
By Mabel Keya
