The announcement comes at a time when the county prepares to host the upcoming Mashujaa Day which happens annually on October 20.
The government has embarked on the expansion of Diani Airport (UKA/HKUK) in Kwale County in a bid to accommodate more passengers and flights to the popular tourist destination.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced on Saturday, October 12 that the airport’s expansion is a transformative project that is set to elevate Kwale County as a key hub for trade and tourism.Â
The announcement comes at a time when the county prepares to host the upcoming Mashujaa Day which happens annually on October 20.
“As the county prepares to host the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations, this milestone development will shine a spotlight on Kwale’s growing potential, with Diani Airport serving as a gateway to new economic opportunities,” stated Omollo in part.
Ongoing expansion works at Diani Airport in Kwale County. /RAYMOND OMOLLO
“For the local community, this project is already bringing benefits, creating jobs during construction and promising to uplift businesses in tourism, hospitality, and local trade.”
The PS added that Kwale’s rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches make it a prime destination, and with improved accessibility, the airport will drive economic growth and turn the county into a vibrant coastal economy.
As of now, Diani Airport only hosts up to three aircraft at a go, however, once expanded, the airport will be able to host up to four aircraft. The expansion will also allow the airport to accommodate more direct flights.
“We are expanding the airport to facilitate additional parking from the current parking space that accommodates only three aircraft. We will be able to facilitate the parking of an additional four aircraft at a go thereby increasing space available that are there for aircraft in Diani airport,” stated Resident Engineer Janet Kahuro.
“Currently, people land here instead of Moi International Airport in Mombasa because we have direct flights. There will be no wasting of time and it becomes efficient and effective.”Â
Similarly, the project has come with immense benefits for Kwale residents through the creation of job opportunities. It has also boosted hospitality businesses and trade by allowing more tourists to access the region.
“The expansion of this airport has helped me acquire a job here, now I can easily pay for my expenses and pay school fees for my siblings and buy other essential things,” noted a resident.
The airport serves the local areas of Diani, Ukunda, Tiwi and Msambweni in the South Coast region. It started operating the services of budget airline Airkenya Express to and from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport in 2013. Many services used to be private charters, providing tourist access between beach resorts and inland game reserves.
The start of budget airlines that ferry domestic and international tourists back and forth to Nairobi has since sped up the development of Diani Beach as the main tourist beach hub in Kenya.
Diani Airport currently operates daily flights from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO), and flights to the Masai Mara, Moi International Airport Mombasa (MBA) and Kilifi.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has on several occasions declared its intention to extend the runway, allowing access to larger aircraft. It is then expected that the airport will offer services to JKIA, as well as international flights to Zanzibar, Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
In January 2019, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), commissioned a mobile airport control tower, procured at a cost of Ksh 150 million, for use at this airstrip.
