The government has commenced the construction of a Ksh 3 billion airport in Nakuru County.
This will see the elevation of the current Lanet Airstrip into a modern airport that will serve both military and civilian passengers.
The project is set to enhance connectivity and boost the county's revenue through the promotion of tourism.
Alluding to the project, Transport Principal Secretary Solomon Kitungu noted that the construction will be done in a three-phased project.
Reports indicated that phase one will cost KSh 400 million shillings.
He detailed that the project would entail the setting up of a power substation, construction of patrol roads, construction of taxiways and terminals, a military lounge, and an air rescue center.
The 1.7-kilometer runway will also be expanded to 3.1 kilometers to accommodate large passenger planes.
Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui noted that the project, once completed, would majorly facilitate international connectivity and transport.
"Our biggest cargo is horticulture and flowers. Out of this, Nakuru county produces over 70 percent of Kenya's flower exports.
“I can confirm that in the coming years, this airport will be considered to be an international airport," Kinyanjui noted.
Nakuru county currently relies on trucks to ferry the produce to Jomo Kenyatta International airport, Nairobi County for export.
The distance is more than 100 kilometers away.
