By The Citizen Correspondent
Kisumu. President Kibaki on Thursday opened the expanded Kisumu International Airport which previously only handled domestic flights.Disclosing that the first phase of the Kisumu International Airport upgrading project was implemented at a cost of about Kshs 3 billion, the President said the Government has already set aside Kshs 1.9 billion for the implementation of phase two of the airport upgrading project.

“This phase will include the construction of a parallel taxiway, cargo apron and associated facilities,” President Kibaki said.The Head of State was addressing wananchi at Moi Stadium in Kisumu after he opened the Kisumu International Airport and commissioned the rehabilitation of the Nyamasaria-Kisian road.

President Kibaki particularly singled out air transport and the aviation sector as a strategic industry in the global economy because of its critical role of providing quick transportation of people and goods.

The President pointed out that the Government has put emphasis on the development of aviation infrastructure in the country.Said the President: “Indeed, the expansion of facilities at Kisumu International Airport is part of an Airport Infrastructure improvement programme.”

In this regard, President Kibaki said the two projects were important not only for the residents of Kisumu County but also to the country and the region as a whole.

The President expressed satisfaction that the successful upgrading of the Kisumu Airport would enhance its capacity to handle increased air traffic both from within the East African Community and internationally.

He said: “The largest type of passenger and cargo aircraft will now be able to land at this Airport. This presents enormous opportunities for trade and investments.”

In this connection, the President challenged entrepreneurs engaged in the import and export business to explore new avenues of business within Kisumu and its environs so as to attract international cargo carriers.

The Head of State further encouraged stakeholders in the tourism sector to aggressively market tourist destinations such as Rusinga Island and Kakamega Forest so as to attract increased domestic and international tourists in the airport.

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