Kisumu International Airport is changing face for good with the construction of an eight-storey air traffic control tower (ATC) nearing completion.
The tower is being constructed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
According to the government, the ATC will be equipped with the latest state of the art ICT, surveillance and communication systems to meet the ICAO aviation standards.
The Principal Secretary for Interior and National Planning Dr Raymond Omollo shared on his social media page that the facility was part of President William Ruto’s plan to expand Kenya’s aviation capacity by investing in modern infrastructure that boosts efficiency, safety and regional competitiveness.
This airport is Kenya’s fourth international airport, classified as a Class III airport. Class III airports can only allow scheduled small carrier aircrafts that carry up to 30 passengers.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the country’s largest and busiest airport followed by Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Eldoret International Airport is the third busiest in terms of goods and passengers.
The modern tower will enhance operational efficiency, safety and airspace management, positioning Kisumu International Airport to handle increasing air traffic with precision and reliability.
It will also strengthen the airport’s status as a premier aviation hub in Kenya and the wider Lake Region. Situated just a few kilometres from Africa’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Victoria, Kisumu is a key gateway to both Uganda and Tanzania.
The development of port facilities and services that are currently at an advanced stage, together with the airport are among key projects that are accelerating Kisumu as the main transport corridor into Western Kenya and the Lake region, boosting regional trade, tourism and economic growth.
Before colonial times, the Kenya – Uganda Railway construction ended in the lakeside city before proceeding into Uganda.
Improved air transport facilities mean you can now land in Kisumu from any international destination once airlines start connecting into the hub, and sail your way into northern Tanzania or southern Uganda, on your way to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and beyond.
