RELOCATING THE AIRPORT
Kisumu’s airport has been in its current location since the beginning
of the 20th century. It was at the time in a farmland area, predominantly
occupied by rural settlements. Demographic growth and related
sprawl have caused the areas surrounding the airport to become
more densely populated, especially between the Kisumu-to-Busia
road and the foot of Riat hills, as well as to the West of the landing
strip. Over the same period, air traffic has grown, with an acceleration
after the upgrading of the airport now able to receive high-capacity
air liners and air freighters, generating increased road traffic
and a higher environmental impact. Whilst increased air capacity is
positive for the county and the city in terms of business development,
including for tourism, the airport in its present location raises a number
of issues:
Increased environmental impact is making its surroundings increasingly
less adapted to human settlements and current urbanization
trends causing rising density to near the airport will only worsen
these conditions. This evolution is not uncommon where airports
finds themselves in the way of urban growth which impedes their development
as they need to expand.
On the other hand, the airport is located on the side of the city which
is best suited to accommodate foreseeable spatial needs: the northern
part of the gulf.
The airport relocation, whilst needed, is an important decision : it
implies important decommissioning costs, and land, infrastructure,
utilities and building costs for the new facility in an area yet to be
identified. East Kolwa or Ahero, both to the South East of the city,
have already been mentioned as possible locations for a new airport;
traffic interruption would also need to be kept to a minimum. Land
required would need to be at least as large as the present KAA designated
land. Part of relocation costs could be covered by the development
of the current airport land which is one of the most desirable
location in the city (together with KRC lakeside holding).
- KISUMU INTEGRATED STRATEGIC URBAN PLAN 2013-2030
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