Migori's First Airport Done And Dusted, Commercial Flights To Commence On September 6

• Lichota airstrip was one of the key infrastructural projects implemented under the leadership of former president Uhuru Kenyatta
• At least KSh 243 million was allocated to facilitate the rehabilitation and upgrading of the airstrip that is opening up Migori to tourists
• Already, private planes began landing at the airstrip that is strategically located near Kenya and Tanzania, and commercial flights are set to commence on Wednesday, September 6

The dream of Migori residents to have an airport is close to fruition following the completion of the Lichota airstrip.

Lichota airstrip, Migori county

Governor Ochillo Ayacko confirmed that the project initiated under former president Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure is done and dusted and has already received private planes.

Authorities disclosed that the airstrip will be open for commercial flights beginning Wednesday, September 6.

The facility is seen as a game changer in the transport and business sector in the county and the region as a whole.

Ayacko explained that the airstrip would enhance transport connectivity, boost trade and decongest Kisumu International Airport. The latter is the largest in the region and serves both the Nyanza and Western regions.

Locals perceive this as a new dawn for them as the skies are set to open up for commercial flights to boost the area's tourism and business activities.

Lichota airstrip sits near Migori town, a cosmopolitan urban and one of the fastest-growing towns in Kenya. It is a viable commercial centre, not only in the Lake region but in the country as well.

Tourism sites in Migori

The airstrip is approximately 22 kilometres from the Kenya-Tanzania border, 8.3 kilometres from Migori town and sits on a 1.2-hectare piece of land.

Thimlich Ohinga, a distinctive architectural stone structure 181 kilometres South of Kisumu and in Migori county is one tourist destination that will benefit from the opening of Lichota airstrip.

Other sites like Mugabo caves in Muhuru will likely register more visitors who will capitalise on direct flights to Migori.

TUKO.co.ke established that KSh 243.1 million was set aside by the national government to facilitate the rehabilitation of the facility.

Migori county gets first airstrip

"We are looking forward to experience economical and social change in the region and we urge local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity and invest in the hospitality interest.

"It has been our dream to see Lichota airstrip operational. Commercial flights will begin landing and taking off from here on September 6, 2023," Ayacko stated.

Ayacko disclosed that they had engaged Skyward Express and hinted that the airline would have direct flights to Migori and then to Kisumu.

The county is also strategically positioning itself to benefit from the airstrip.

A spot check by TUKO.co.ke established that the airstrip has received over seven private planes, mostly tourists travelling through Maasai Mara and Serengeti in Tanzania.

Airstrips in Kenya

Caren Achieng' who owns a food store close to the airstrip, said she is optimistic that the area will be more vibrant and her business will grow.

"I am happy because the county government also helped improve the hygienic standards in the area and the business will grow," she added.

Earlier, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale praised the revival of Kakamega Airstrip, saying it had turned around the transport sector for passengers flying between Nairobi and Western Kenya.