Aviation sector prepares for status as hub

The Government has rehabilitated 15 airstrips as it targets to position the country as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, said that the move was in tandem with the ongoing harmonisation of aviation sector in the East Africa Community and Comesa region.
He said the Government would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and put in place appropriate policies to enable the aviation industry to thrive.
"Kenya will be one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of aviation," he said.
He added: "This year, 10 more airstrips are planned for upgrading while 14 more will be inspected for rehabilitation."
Among airports earmarked for upgrading is Moi International Airport in Mombasa, which is currently under going renovation, and Kisumu Airport whose run way will be extended at estimated cost of Sh2.6 billion.
At the Kisumu Airport, the terminal building will be expanded and the runway increased to 3.2km, from the current 2.1km, to accommodate bigger aircraft. A new control tower will also be built.
Other facilities to be upgraded are lighting and security systems.
Another airport in the sights of KAA for expansion is the Malindi Airport, which locals want to be upgraded to an international airport.
The Wajir Airport terminal building has been constructed and the control tower rehabilitated for the airport to serve both military and civilian aircraft.
"The ministry has reviewed several existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA), initiated and concluded new ones, in the past four years," said Mwakwere.
Twenty four BASAs have attracted new operators in the country.
"As the industry continues to witness economic growth, the number of tourists are increasing, the ministry will make sure that our airstrips are upgraded to airports to accommodate more planes," he said.

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Source: The Standard
By Brian Adero
Tuesday May 1, 2007