Kisumu International Airport will be expanded to accommodate cargo planes.
Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) Chairman David Kimaiyo said there are plans to establish more facilities at the airport to boost Western economic activities.
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the airport by the KAA board of directors yesterday, Kimaiyo said the runway will be expanded further to accommodate big cargo planes.
Kimaiyo said they will exploit available opportunities in areas such as hotels, tourism and cold storage facilities for export goods.
He said the airport has sparked new hopes for investments in the western region. “The airport is the hub of economic activities in East Africa Community and we are looking forward to have a five star hotel,” he said.
The chairman urged farmers and business people to introduce new crops, and investments in preparation for export once cargo flights are unveiled.
He said they are also focusing on improving security measures to avert terrorism threats.
Kimaiyo who met with Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma discussed ways of partnering to between the county government and KAA to exploit untapped available opportunities.
He applauded Ranguma on his efforts to relocate the Kachok dumpsite which is a threat to the airplanes.
“Dumpsite usually attracts birds and we are happy the county government has got a land for the relocation,” Kimaiyo said.
He also met County Commissioner John Elungata where they discussed development opportunities alongside security of the airport.