Tourism players in Kenya’s Western circuit have urged the government to fast track the upgrading of Kisumu International Airport to unlock the region’s tourism potential.
Lake Victoria Tourism Association (LVTA) Treasurer, Rashid Hussein, says the airport’s potential has not been fully exploited, despite being an international facility.
“KAA [Kenya Airports Authority] should finalise the upgrading of the airport so that it can accommodate international flights from overseas markets in a bid to uplift tourism in the western region,” he said, emphasising its proximity to tourist hotspots such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Kakamega Forest Reserve.
The airport manager, Joseph Okumu, said only 30% of arrivals recorded at the facility were tourists.
He said: “The 3.3km runway is being strengthened and widened by 60 metres, which will allow us to accommodate more international flights.” Once complete, he added, the airport would be able to handle bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and boost international tourist arrivals.
Currently, the facility handles more than 400 000 passengers a year, a significant increase from the 250 000 it recorded before the expansion work began.
