The Government of Kenya has set aside a sum of over Ksh300 million to renovate the Manda Airport and bring electricity to the coastal island.
This move is set to streamline airport operations following years of using generators to meet the airport's electrical needs, despite Lamu Island’s crucial role in regional trade.
This development is also part of a larger plan that aims to unite Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia trade relations through the Lamu Port.
Speaking in Lamu on Tuesday, November 19, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo confirmed this and also highlighted the need for this facelift.
“Lamu Airport has more benefits than all the other ports, including Mombasa Port. This is because even its depth is 17.5 metres which means that bigger ships can dock here in Lamu,” Owalo stated.
According to Energy Principal Secretary, Alex Wachira, who was also present, the generators used in the airstrip sometimes fail, leading to a stop in air transport activities even though it is the only one that serves the neighbouring Lamu region.
The airport is also set to be expanded to accommodate larger planes and ultimately larger cargo.
“The Lamu Airport is the only one we have in this region of Manda, and it has had the problem of the runway being too short. The National government has also set aside Ksh189 million for the expansion so that we will be able to receive larger airplanes at the airport.”
Over Ksh600 million has already been utilised to build the Mokowe Jetty, which connects the island to dry land.
Another Ksh3.8 billion has been used to acquire modern equipment to load and unload containers at the Lamu port.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy stated that the strengthening of security in Lamu County has led to more government projects being set up in the county, thus growing its economy.
“Lamu is currently very safe, and we thank the government for this. We have seen the total number of security officers from different sectors has increased here in Lamu, and this is a relief to the Lamu people,” Governor Timamy said.
To continue boosting trade operations on the island, the port will be receiving two more ships in two weeks; one for transporting livestock and the other for normal cargo.
