The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand Kisumu International Airport in a bold step aimed at transforming the lakeside city into a major hub for international trade and logistics.
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo announced that the expansion project will feature the extension of the airport’s runway and the construction of a state-of-the-art cargo terminal equipped with cold storage facilities. This development is expected to facilitate the direct export of perishable goods such as fresh fish, African leafy vegetables, and other farm produce from the Lake Region to international markets.
“The cold storage will preserve product quality and increase shelf life, giving our farmers a competitive edge globally,” Owalo said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the move.
He added that the government is also constructing modern fish landing sites along Lake Victoria, equipped with storage units, to support the growing fisheries sector. These sites will integrate seamlessly with the upgraded airport, enabling direct exports from Kisumu.
The airport expansion is part of a broader government strategy to improve infrastructure in the Nyanza region. Owalo noted that the development is set to attract agro-processors, logistics firms, and exporters to Kisumu, creating thousands of jobs and revitalizing the local economy.
In addition to the airport, Owalo confirmed that stalled road projects like the Muhoroni-Miwani–Mamboleo Road are being fast-tracked, with partial payments already disbursed to contractors. He assured residents of strict enforcement of accountability and project timelines.
The government is also in talks with the World Bank to fund the construction of the Lake Victoria Ring Road, a major project designed to connect key towns across counties, boost tourism, and enhance regional integration. Designs and feasibility studies are complete.
Other priority projects include extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and building the Koru–Soin Dam to support irrigation, water storage, and flood control in flood-prone Nyando.
Owalo warned that underperforming contractors would be blacklisted, signaling the government’s resolve to ensure timely completion of projects. The comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, he said, underscores the state’s commitment to inclusive growth and the economic transformation of the Lake Region.
