Kenya has commenced expansion works of the Angama airstrip in Maasai Mara. Kenya Airports Authority(KAA) announced the project kick off and said the airstrip will be rehabilitated to a fully-fledged airport.
The project is aimed at directly connect foreign tourists to the world-famous game reserve. It set to be implemented in three phases. The first phase involves rehabilitation of the existing 1260m long runway. It will be expanded from 18m to 23m to facilitate the operation of code C Aircraft at the facility. Phase one will also see the construction of a new Apron and fencing to boost security. The phase will take 12 months.
Phase two the runway will be further expanded from 1260 meters to 2500 meters length and the width expanded from 23 meters to 30 meters. Very Important Person (VIP) lounge section will also be developed in this stage of construction. The third phase, will see the government will construct a new runway of 3300 meters long, 45 meter wide and terminal points.
Also Read:Rehabilitation of Nyaribo Airstrip in Nyeri, Kenya to be completed in July
Angama airstrip
The Angama airstrip services several high-end tourism resorts within the popular Mara. It is in Mara where herds of the annual wildebeest migration normally occur. The animals enter and exit the Maasai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This makes the area a prime viewing spot for the world-renowned wildlife spectacle.
Upon completion, the upgraded airstrip will enable it to handle larger capacity aircraft and boost connectivity to exclusive resorts. Currently, only chartered planes can access the facilities.
“This development will go along in promoting the brand Kenya. We wish to call upon KAA to continue with this job by opening airports in major areas where tourism is key so that they can be equally linked between themselves and other parts of Kenya,” said Tourism PS Sabina Kwekwe.
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