Air transport services are set to resume at the Garissa Airstrip following the completion of a Sh710 million rehabilitation and expansion project, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced.
Chirchir who toured the facility to assess the progress of the works, said it was in the final stages, with only a small section of the road leading to the military gate remaining before the airstrip is ready for commissioning.
He said the project will soon be handed over for operational use, marking a major milestone in improving connectivity for Garissa and the wider North Eastern region.
"You can see behind me that the runway is basically complete. The terminal building is complete. We are at the car park and the aprons are complete," Chirchir said.
"The only outstanding work here is the road leading to the military exit gate, and we are working on that. Garissa Airstrip will soon be complete and scheduled for commissioning."
Once commissioned, regular air services are expected to resume between Garissa and Nairobi. The extended runway will allow larger aircraft to operate, improving passenger and cargo movement.
The project, jointly financed by the national government and the Garissa county government, represents a partnership aimed at strengthening regional infrastructure and supporting economic development.
The state contributed Sh600 million while Garissa invested Sh110 million.
The upgrade has been implemented in three phases, each focusing on key areas of the airstrip's transformation.
The first phase, undertaken by the Ministry of Defence, focused on improving operational safety through the construction of a full perimeter security fence around the airstrip. The security improvements provided a foundation for the safe resumption of civilian and humanitarian aviation operations in a region that has historically faced security challenges.
The second phase, overseen by the county government, involved the construction of a modern passenger terminal equipped with a VIP lounge, check-in counters, passenger waiting bays, an arrivals hall, Kenya Airports Authority offices, retail outlets, prayer and wudu facilities. There is also an expanded parking space to improve passenger experience.
The final phase, being implemented by Sihaam Limited, focuses on upgrading airside infrastructure. It includes extending the runway from 1.2 kilometres to 1.5 kilometres, rehabilitating the taxiway and modernising the aircraft apron to accommodate larger aircraft and improve operational efficiency.
Chirchir said the project demonstrates the government's commitment to investing in transport infrastructure that promotes regional integration, improves accessibility and stimulates economic growth.
The upgraded airstrip is expected to play a key role in opening up Northern Kenya by facilitating faster movement of people, goods and services while supporting trade, tourism, humanitarian operations and investment.
During an inspection of the project two weeks ago, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama said the facility will improve passenger experience and position Garissa as a regional transport and commercial hub.
"The upgraded airport will transform connectivity in the region and strengthen Garissa's position as a gateway for trade, investment and movement across Northern Kenya," the governor said.
President William Ruto has also highlighted the strategic importance of the project, describing it as a key investment in unlocking the economic potential of the region.
"We are upgrading the Garissa Airstrip to an international airport to facilitate trade and unlock the region's huge economic potential," Ruto said during a development tour of the region last month.
Once operational, the upgraded airstrip is expected to usher in a new era of air connectivity for Garissa, reducing travel time to the capital, improving access to government and commercial services, and providing a critical transport link to support long-term economic growth.
Instant analysis
The rehabilitation of Garissa Airstrip represents a major infrastructure investment aimed at improving connectivity and economic opportunities in Northern Kenya. By expanding the runway, upgrading passenger facilities and improving safety measures, the project is expected to enhance movement of people, goods and services. The partnership between the national and county governments demonstrates how joint investment can support regional development. Beyond transport, the upgraded facility could strengthen trade, tourism, humanitarian operations and access to essential services. However, the long-term impact will depend on efficient operations, regular air services and continued maintenance to ensure the facility delivers sustainable benefits to the region.
A plane at the Garissa airstrip runway./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Residents of Garissa at the Garissa airstrip./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
The modern passenger terminal at the Garissa airstrip./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
