Construction of an international airport in Mandera near Omar Jilaow, Mandera East is set to
start in September after the national government allocated funds for the
project, governor Ali Roba has said.
Mr Roba said the design and award of tender for the Sh1 billion airport is complete.
The facility is envisioned to open up the potential of the county tremendously, he said.
“Among the economic benefits expected are easing exports of agricultural and livestock products which will generate revenue for the country and uplift the lives of the population,” Mr Roba said.
“With the stabilization of Somalia, Mandera County will be a regional business hub and the airport will serve Somalia and Ethiopia through facilitation of easy movement of people and goods in the region.”
The airways above Mandera airspace are one of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Mandatory reporting points by international airlines using this airspace.
“The construction of an international airport at such strategic location will also facilitate en-route alternate planning for the international flights using airspace hence making Kenya an aviation hub as envisaged in the second medium term plan in Kenya Vision 2030,” he said.
The county government will also undertake rehabilitation and expansion of four airstrips.
