Garissa airstrip will soon undergo major renovations to give a facelift to its lone runway that was constructed in 1984, government officials announced on Wednesday.
The airstrip which is one of the oldest in Northern Kenya will have a major refurbishment that will include an extension of the runway from the current 1.2 km to 1.5km.
Speaking during a tour of the facility in Garissa, the governor of Garissa Nathif Jama said, the renovation that has already started is a partnership between the county government and the national government.
“This is partnership between the two levels of government. The county government of Garissa will construct the terminal and parking lots while the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) will renovate the runaway including the perimeter wall” Jama said
On the occasion of the inspection, Defence Minister Aden Duale who led a delegation of the national government said the airstrip will be renovated in two phases.
“We are here for only one purpose and we are here under the direction of the president who said we must do something about Garissa airstrip,” Duale said “We have arrangements with the county government of Garissa and the ministry of transport “
Government officials did not disclose the cost of renovation that will also include improving drainage systems but they said the contractor is already on site.
Garissa, which has been the headquarters of the expansive Northeastern region has been relying on the current rudimentary airstrip for four decades, limiting residents’ travel options.
