The county government of Machakos is seeking approval from National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to construct an airport in Machakos town.
County Governor, Alfred Mutua said the move aims to promote tourism and regional trade. The proposed project is set to be located in the news Machakos town and will sit on a 104hectares of land. It is part of the Long Term Local Physical Development Plan for Machakos New Town – a blueprint for a complementary town adjacent to the existing Machakos Old Town.
The plan presents development proposals for the new town to guide development for a period of 20 years from 2014 to 2034. The project which will be located on the County Government land, will be built at a cost of Sh 250million. The project will not displace any person, institution or economic activity.
Scope of work
The project involves construction of a taxiway, passenger and presidential terminals. It will have a runway that is 1350m long and 45m wide and at both ends of the runway, a stop way will be constructed. The runway shoulders will be 7.5m wide and a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) of 180m length and 160m width will be provided at both ends of the runway
The Machakos Airport’s passenger terminal, the airfield’s main terminal, will comprise 10 check-in counters, six security check points, 10 gates, six passenger boarding bridges, and immigration counters for arrival and departure. An estimated 4,700sq m of the terminal will be reserved for retail and commercial activities.
“Machakos Airport project will not take place until Nema issues a final environmental decision for the proposed project, and until compliance with all other applicable KCAA approval actions and special purpose laws has occurred,” said Governor Mutua.
The New Machakos town is planned to international standards in the model of other modern cities such as Dubai and Singapore. It will house factories, modern office parks and skyscrapers that will be complemented by beautiful and luxurious living spaces that include public parks.
