The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced plans to revamp the Malindi International Airport with the aim of opening up north coast attractions to foreign tourists.
Malindi International Airport only handles domestic flights, which is cited as a major stumbling block to tourism growth as international holidaymakers travel for longer hours before reaching the north coast.
The expansion project is a key part of the government’s efforts to revive and promote tourism in Malindi and Watamu in Kilifi County. The airport currently occupies 248 acres. The authority is planning to, among other things, extend the airport’s main runway to the north from 1.4km to 2.4km to enable the airfield to handle bigger commercial aircraft.
The project will need at least 640 acres to extend the runway and ensure security and safety of the facility. In October last year, officials from the airport told the National Assembly’s Transport Committee that the facility was seeking about Sh4.3 billion to acquire land for the planned expansion.
Direct flights to Europe
The extension of the runway will allow the airport to accommodate bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 737-600 series with a capacity of 150 passengers. This is expected to increase international tourist arrivals from Italy and other European markets.
In a gazette noticed issued last month by Nema, the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the project indicated that there would be loss of land and property in nine neighbouring villages, including Bondeni, Mtangani, Majivuni, Majivuni J.C.C, Furunzi A, Majivuni B, Furunzi B, Ziwani, and Kalimani Poa. Nema called for compensation of the affected landlords in compliance with the law.
“Compensation for loss of land or property should be done promptly and should be based on market rates. We urge the KAA to publish a report on payment to avert corruption. Such a report shall contain the list of the project affected person, property affected, terms and rates of compensation among other details,” read the gazette notice.
