Garissa is preparing to welcome a new era of air travel as its airstrip undergoes a comprehensive upgrade to become a fully equipped regional airport.
The initiative, jointly supported by the national and county governments, is expected to improve connectivity, open economic opportunities, and enhance emergency services for the surrounding communities.
The first phase as noted by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, handled by the Ministry of Defence, concentrated on security.
A complete perimeter fence was erected to safeguard passengers, staff, and operations, laying the groundwork for further development.
The second phase, led by the Garissa County Government, is nearly finished, with 85 percent of construction completed.
The project includes a new terminal building fitted with essential passenger services such as an arrival hall, check-in area, Kenya Airports Authority offices, VIP lounge, prayer and wudu areas, retail outlets, a search room, and expanded parking facilities to handle increasing passenger traffic.
Phase three will focus on extending the runway by 1.5 kilometers and rehabilitating the taxiway and apron.
Scheduled for completion by April, 2026 these upgrades will enable the airstrip to accommodate larger planes and support daily flights to Nairobi, transforming the facility into a functional regional aviation hub.
When fully operational, the upgraded airstrip will not only facilitate trade and attract investment but also provide critical services, including medical evacuations and humanitarian relief, enhancing emergency response capacity across the region.
The airstrip project is part of a broader transformation in Garissa that includes the Affordable Housing Programme and the Mikono Modern Market.
Together, these developments are creating jobs, boosting local commerce, and shaping the town into a competitive regional center with improved infrastructure, greater connectivity, and expanded opportunities for residents.
