The Kapese Airstrip is located in Turkana County, Kenya. The project to expand the airstrip so as to allow for commercial aircraft to land was first announced in 2014 however, there has been no progress or announcements on whether the project is going to break ground any time soon.
The airstrip still remains usable to small aircraft and more recently, had been a key interest for investors seeking to set up a drone unit.
Reported in August 2014
Kapese Airstrip in Kenya to be upgraded for commercial aircraft
Turkana’s airstrip Kapese will be expanded to accommodate commercial aircraft coming into the region in Kenya. This is according to the private firm that owns the airstrip, African Camp Solution (ACA). The director of the company Mr. Willie Roberts said this week they were finalizing talks relating to upgrading the facility.
Kapese airstrip is located in the Lokichar region, a rich ground for oil. The expected upgrade will be done in a manner such that it will not interfere with the current usage. The Kapese airstrip plays an important role in connecting Nairobi and Turkana regions.
Tullow Oil Company, a company drilling oil in Kenya’s northern county will spearhead the upgrading expected to complete by November this year. The only passenger aircraft flying into the county, Fly 540, is expected to start using the Kapese airstrip once completed. This is according to the management. Kapese airstrip is mainly being used by Tullow Oil although others; Tropic Air, Phoenix Air, and the Flying Doctors use it.
Earlier this month, there were reports that new private airlines were being attracted to using the facility because of the oil business in the region. Astral Aviation, an international cargo aircraft said they would start two weekly flights from JKIA to Kapese. This would mean the achievement of a reduction of oil and gas shipments to an hour from three days.
Fokker 27 aircraft, an international airline operating from Kenya to London said the airstrip would help the delivery of commodities to oil and gas workers in the region. Tullow Oil, a British-based oil explorer has, together with its partner – Africa Oil – discovered several wells in the Turkana region.
