Construction of Lanet Airstrip project in Nakuru County is set to begin. Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui confirmed the report and said the government closed the bids and gave a go ahead of the commencement of the multi-billion project.
“The long-awaited upgrade of Lanet military airstrip into an international public airport will start in the next two months after bids for the construction work were closed this week,” Governor Lee Kinyanjui
The Sh 3bn project located at the 81 Tanks Battalion Barracks, will see the Lanet Airstrip elevated into a modern international airport, which will be used by civilian aircraft connecting to major towns in the country. According to the Kenya Airports Authority the current military airstrip will be upgraded in two phases in partnership with the county government of Nakuru.
Stages of construction
Phase one will include rehabilitation of the runaway that will be used by a 50 seater planes. The phase will also involve the construction of the perimeter fence, taxiways and terminals, a military lounge, an air rescue centre and a fire fighting building.
The second phase will entail expanding the runway from 1.7km to 3.6km. The upgrade will also entail construction of military and civilian gates, setting up of a power substation and construction of a patrol road. Once complete, the new airstrip will allow bigger cargo and passenger planes of approximately 40 to 100 tonnes.
“The project has been and contracted to Ms Ongata Works Limited who will undertake preliminary works in readiness for ground breaking. President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to officiate the ground breaking ceremony before the end of the year,” said the acting KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari.
The county is banking on the facility to bolster its economy by enhancing connectivity. Construction of the airport will also boost tourism and horticultural farming which are the backbone of the county. The county relies on refrigerated trucks to ferry horticulture and flowers to the cargo hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
