Infrastructure

Upgrades for Maasai Mara Airstrip Underway

Angama Airstrip is being converted into an international airport.

Updated on

May 20, 2022

A plane lands at the Angama Airstrip in Maasai Mara. PHOTO | KAA

Ongata Works Limited is undertaking works on a Sh4.7 billion project that seeks to convert Maasai Mara Game Reserve’s Angama (Ol Kurruk) Airstrip into an international airport.

Based in Kasarani, Nairobi, the Class A Contractor won the tender for the rehabilitation and expansion of the airstrip that serves several high-end resorts within the Mara Triangle.

The project, which is under the supervision of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will be completed in three phases – with phase one (rehabilitation works) set to cost Sh244 million.

The segment will involve the expansion of the existing 1.26 kilometres of runway to 1.38 kilometres and the widening of the taxiway from 18 metres to 25 metres.

It will also see the construction of a 650 metres access road, as well as the installation of a 120 metres by 120 metres apron and two taxiways.

The airstrip will also be repainted and fenced to boost security.

Ongata Works is expected to complete the project in December.

The second phase of the project will involve the expansion of the existing runway from 1.26 kilometres to 2.5 kilometres and the widening of the taxiway from 25 metres to 30 metres.

It will also involve the construction of a VIP lounge.

Phase three will involve the construction of a new 3.3-kilometre runway and terminal points.

Maasai Mara International Airport

Eventually, the Angama Airstrip will be renamed Maasai Mara International Airport – capable of taking direct international flights into the world-famous reserve, a flying distance of about 200km from Wilson Airport in the capital Nairobi.

The airport currently handles light aircraft – the biggest of them being Bombardier Dash 8-106, with a 37-passenger seat capacity.

At the end of the upgrade, the Maasai Mara International Airport is expected to handle bigger aircraft such as the Airbus A320, with a 170-180 passenger capacity.

During the groundbreaking event last August, then KAA managing director Alex Gitari said the upgrade of the airstrip would promote aviation safety while generating more revenue.

“The airport will open up the Mara Tourism Circuit and hence facilitate the implementation of the Maasai Mara Strategy. It will reduce the environmental impact on off-road driving towards the Mara hence low negative impact on forest, wildlife areas and wetlands,” he said.

KAA has acquired 44.7 hectares of land for the project.

Sh10 billion

Mr Gitari said the government was spending Sh10 billion to upgrade infrastructure in major airstrips around the country to improve air transportation.

Airstrips that have undergone or are undergoing rehabilitation include Malindi, Migori, Manda-Lamu, Diani (Ukunda), Kitale and Nanyuki.

KAA is also converting the Lanet Military Airstrip into a civilian airport for Sh3 billion.

Moi International Airport

Kenya’s second largest airport, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, has recently undergone a Sh7 billion upgrade as it seeks to attract international flights.

The upgrade, which started in 2018, was done by Japanese Pacific Consultants International. Repairs on airside pavement and airfield ground lighting systems have been finalised.

“Completion of the upgrade works will increase the lifespan of the runway and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers,” Mr Gitari said.

The project was financed through a $65 million (about Sh7.06 billion) loan from the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) and the World Bank.