Infrastructure
Isiolo Airport Project Takes Off
The airport will have the capacity to handle heavy commercial aircraft.
Construction of the proposed Isiolo International Airport has begun, following the Friday groundbreaking ceremony that was presided over by President Mwai Kibaki.
The project involves the upgrade of the Isiolo airstrip to an airport for Sh900 million.
It follows the July 2012 completion of construction work at the airstrip – which included the construction of a 1.4 km runway and associated infrastructure for Sh700 million.
The airport upgrade, which will be undertaken by Northern Construction – a private contractor – will involve the extension of the runway to 2.5 km from the current 1.4 km and the extension of the apron to accommodate nine large planes instead of three.
It will also include the construction of a 4,500 square metres passenger terminal that can handle 125,000 passengers annually.
The passenger terminal building is expected to be completed in two years.
RELATED: Construction of Sh3bn Nakuru Airport Well Underway
Also marked for construction or expansion are the airport’s taxiways, control tower, cargo terminus, hanger, staff quarters, fire station, parking area, and fencing.
“The upgrade of the facility to an international airport will benefit the economy of Isiolo while promoting the socio-economic development of the region,” said President Kibaki.
The President also said that the Isiolo International Airport, which sits on 800-acre land, will facilitate transport within the Horn of Africa region due to its strategic location.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority corporate communications manager Dominic Ngigi, on completion, the Isiolo airport will have the capacity to handle heavy commercial aircraft and maximum take-off weight.
“Expanding the runway means a Boeing 737 would be able to land at the airport when the upgrade is complete,” said Ngigi.
The Isiolo International Airport is a key part of Lapsset, an economic and transport corridor that stretches from Lamu Port to Sudan and Ethiopia.
China on Brink of Sh180bn Highway Deal with Kenya
Talks are underway for China to fund a new highway and rail extension.
Work Begins on Sh11.6bn Geothermal Plant in Nakuru
The Chinese-funded Orpower 22 power plant will take 17 months to complete.
Turkish Firm Inks $3bn Deal for Uganda Electric Railway
Yapı Merkezi is expected to complete the 272-kilometre railway in 48 months.
Mukuru Affordable Housing Handover Set for December
Bedsitters will rent for Sh3,200 per month on a 30-year rent-to-own plan.
Work Begins for Sh3.6bn Ngong Road Flyover
The new flyover, funded by Spain, is expected to open in 2027.
Mammoet Unveils the World’s Largest Ring Crane, SK6000
The SK6000 could help improve the efficiency of offshore construction.