The Isiolo International Airport. [Photo/ kenyatalk.com]
Tour operators and farmers in counties neighbouring Isiolo International Airport are banking on the facility to boost business.
Miraa growers, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and exporters as well as tourism sector players in Isiolo and Samburu counties say the Sh1.7 billion airport recently rehabilitated will increase demand for their products by easing transport to and from the region.“We will export miraa directly from Isiolo Airport to Mombasa, Nairobi, Jubaland, Somalia and other countries. The heavy losses we normally incur while transporting the commodity via road to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport will reduce,” Isaiah Miriti, a miraa grower told Business Daily on Wednesday.KNCCI Isiolo branch chairman Hussein Jamaa said the commerce body stands to benefit because of the airport.“We normally ferry live animals on lorries to neighbouring counties but the new facility will enable livestock traders to transport meat by air,” he said.Josphat Ngali, the Sarova Shaba Lodge manager said the aviation facility will boost tourism in Isiolo, Samburu and Meru counties.“Tourists will, for now, travel from Nairobi directly to Isiolo Airport to tour the northern circuit which has rare wildlife including Grevy zebras,” he said.The airport built on an 800-acre land now only awaits final approval from the Kenya Civil Association Authority to kick off operations.Kenya Airports Authority says the airport, after opening, will start by handling local flights.