KISUMU AIRPORT UPGRADED TO INTERNATIONAL STATUS
Author: Imelda Ndomo
Date: 21 Feb 12
On 2nd February, the upgraded Kisumu Airport was opened by President Mwai Kibaki. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the president reiterated his government's commitment to improving the economic environment for investors to do business. The President noted that the upgrade of the Kisumu Airport signifies this commitment, and is part of ongoing efforts to revamp the national infrastructure to help Kenya realize the Vision 2030". The upgrade includes an expanded runway and a new terminal building with capacity to handle 700 persons an hour. Previously, the airport handled 240,000 people annually. The increased capacity means increased opportunity for trade in Kenya and the region, and a boost to the travel and tourism sector. The airport has also been elevated to International status, capable of handling larger aircraft such as Boeing 737, DC9 and Airbus A310. The upgraded airport further opens up the Western tourism circuit that currently receives comparably lower volumes of visitors. With the airport's upgrade to international status, there lies great opportunity for growth of tourism in the region, with the opportunity to receive visitors directly from across the borders. Besides the upgrade of the Kisumu airport, other infrastructure development projects identified in Vision 2030 include upgrade and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Thika Superhighway, the standard gauge railway line from Mombasa to Malaba and the Greater Nairobi Commuter Rail project. Improved infrastructure will enhance tourism and travel, and make Kenya a competitive destination for investment. | 
