Interrupted by the outbreak of Coronavirus last year, the delayed refurbishment of Kenya’s Moi International Airport in Mombasa has finally begun with authorities projecting completion by the end of next month.
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The scope of the project includes the replacement of the existing airfield ground lighting systems and all approach lighting masts from steel to fiberglass. The upgraded pavements will have a sustainable maintenance regime to keep the runway and aprons in good condition throughout the 20 years life span, and also ensure that the airport land is neither undermined nor destroyed as a result of unstable ground. It will also add to the airport’s green rating through rainwater harvesting.
According to Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) acting managing director, Mr. Alex Gitari this project will ensure that all the airports pavements offer safe operations to aircraft and avoidance of operational delays and disruptions occasioned by poor airfield ground lighting.
The project is being funded by the French Development Agency.
Refurbishment of Kitale Airstrip to be completed in December this year
In related news, the rehabilitation of the Kitale Airstrip which has faced minor challenges due to COVID-19 disruptions is expected to be completed by December this year. This is according to Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa who was speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing project.
The project scope includes the construction of a standard 2.2km runway that will be able to accommodate code 2B Aircraft and the construction of an administration block that will consist of a VIP lounge.
Upon completion of the project and subsequent resumption of flights, domestic air travelers to the western region who have had to use Eldoret and Kisumu airports will save up to one hour when flying directly to Kitale.
According to Cs Wamalwa, the airstrip is one of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s flagship projects in the region that will go a long way in boosting flight connectivity within the county and the region at large.
