The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is undertaking a major upgrade of Manda Airstrip in Lamu, Kenya, in preparation for the upcoming East African Oil Refinery groundbreaking ceremony. The upgrade includes runway repairs, construction of a new passenger walkway, and expansion of the aircraft parking apron. These improvements aim to increase the airstrip's capacity to handle the expected surge in traffic, including over 400 dignitaries attending the ceremony.
The upgrade works are being carried out to ensure the airstrip can safely and efficiently handle the anticipated rise in aircraft and passenger movements during the event. KAA Managing Director and CEO Moses Wekesa stated that the authority is focused on ensuring the airstrip's readiness for the ceremony. The event is expected to draw heads of state, government officials, and more than 400 VIPs, creating significant pressure on Lamu's aviation and transport systems.
In response to the expected influx of visitors, KAA has deployed specialised technical and operational teams to the airstrip to maintain normal services and support the preparations. The authority views the upgrades as a longer-term investment, aiming to position Manda Airstrip to support Lamu's economic growth as new projects and investments emerge in the region.
The East African Oil Refinery groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, and the upgrades to Manda Airstrip are part of KAA's efforts to improve the country's aviation infrastructure. The ceremony is expected to have a significant impact on the region, and the upgrades will help to ensure that the airstrip can handle the increased traffic.
KAA's upgrade works at Manda Airstrip form part of its wider programme to upgrade airport facilities and improve operational capacity across Kenya's network of airports and airstrips. The authority highlighted the broader role of airports in linking people, businesses, and opportunities, noting that strengthening aviation infrastructure is essential as Lamu attracts increased activity.
The upgrades to Manda Airstrip are a significant investment in Lamu's infrastructure, and will help to support the region's economic growth. The East African Oil Refinery is a major project that is expected to have a significant impact on the region, and the upgrades to the airstrip will help to ensure that it can handle the increased traffic and activity.
The Kenya Airports Authority's upgrade of Manda Airstrip is nearing completion, and the airstrip is expected to be ready for the East African Oil Refinery groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony is a significant event for the region, and the upgrades to the airstrip will help to ensure its success.
Key points
- The Kenya Airports Authority is upgrading Manda Airstrip to handle the expected surge in traffic for the East African Oil Refinery groundbreaking ceremony.
- The upgrades include runway repairs, construction of a new passenger walkway, and expansion of the aircraft parking apron.
- The upgrades are part of KAA's wider programme to upgrade airport facilities and improve operational capacity across Kenya's network of airports and airstrips.
