[Photo/procurementandlogisticsonline.com] The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has made manifest progress in the expansion of the Malindi Airport at a cost of Sh700 Million.
Phase One of the project dealt with land acquisition which entailed the acquisition of 25 hectares. State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the transfer of funds to the National Lands Commission (NLC), who will undertake and facilitate the land compensation, had been completed. He clarified that the Second phase would require the purchase of additional land for extension of the main runway. ''This will pave way for direct flights from Europe. This is important because Malindi is a tourist town and one of the demands they have made is that: can’t they fly directly to their destination,'' he added.The ongoing works at Malindi Airport, which include the extension of the Apron, the upgrade of the security perimeter fence and the expansion of the car park to accommodate many more vehicles, is almost complete.The airport had a throughput of 131,513 passengers and 5,784kg of cargo in 2015.For Ukunda airport, he said it was currently planned for expansion.
The runway was being extended to 2km and widening to 30m. A new terminal building would be constructed to meet demand, while the Apron would be expanded to accommodate larger aircrafts.
Other initiatives include the construction of a new fire station, an access road and car park, the completion of the fence and provision of baggagetrolleys.
Esipisu was addressing the press, Sunday, at State House Mombasa.