Malindi Airport Expansion Set to Boost Trade and Tourism

By Ben Okweingoti 

The national government has assured residents and investors in Malindi that expansion works at Malindi International Airport in Kilifi County will commence soon, a move expected to significantly enhance trade and tourism in the coastal region.

During an inspection tour of the ongoing runway resurfacing works, officials from the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), led by Olando Sitati, alongside the Coast Regional National Government Development Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) chaired by Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, confirmed that preparations for Phase Two of the project were at an advanced stage.

The second phase involves extending the runway from the current 1.4 kilometres to three kilometres. Authorities noted that compensation for squatters affected by the expansion is ongoing, paving the way for the next phase of construction.

Ms Onyancha expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Sh242.8 million runway resurfacing project, adding that the contractor had committed to completing the works by May.

“We are impressed with the progress made on the runway and apron repairs. The process of acquiring additional land is ongoing to facilitate the runway extension. Investors, particularly in the tourism sector, have long awaited this project, and we assure them it will be delivered,” she said.

She underscored the strategic importance of the airport, noting that it serves both Kilifi and Tana River counties, as well as the Galana Kulalu Irrigation and Food Security Project. She added that the expansion would play a key role in stabilizing the economies of the two counties while enhancing access for international visitors.

According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), an additional 19 acres of land is required for complementary developments. The land has already been identified, with the process now awaiting guidance from the National Land Commission (NLC) on compensation for affected landowners.

KAA engineer Moses Abuok said the upgrade would enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 787-class planes. He added that an Environmental Impact Assessment has already been completed, with survey works pending to determine the final scope and cost of the runway expansion.

He noted that the resurfacing works comprise three key stages: milling, regulation of the base surface, and laying of the wearing course. So far, milling and surface regulation have been completed, with the wearing course currently underway.

Overall, the project has reached 60 per cent completion, signaling steady progress towards the anticipated upgrade of the airport into a key regional hub.