Western Kenya tourism set for major boost as Sh300m Migori Airstrip nears completion

Western Kenya is set to receive a boost in tourism following the ongoing upgrade of Migori Airstrip, a project expected to enhance travel, trade, and regional connectivity.

The facility, also known as Lichota Airstrip, is scheduled for completion by December this year. Once complete, it will have the capacity to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually. The upgrade, which began in September 2025, will see the airstrip elevated from a Class C to a Class B facility, effectively transforming it into an international airport.

Key improvements include the renovation of the passenger terminal at a cost of Sh300 million and the extension of the runway from 1.8 kilometres to 2 kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft.

The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Migori County and the wider Western region. Local authorities anticipate that the upgraded facility will attract more airlines, increase flight frequency, and improve connections to both domestic and international destinations.

Currently, the airstrip handles about 12 flights daily, including one scheduled service by Skyward Express and several chartered flights. Air traffic is expected to rise significantly once the upgrade is complete.

The revamped airstrip is expected to improve access to key tourist destinations, including the Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and Thim Lich Ohinga, a World Heritage archaeological site in Migori. It will also ease travel to other attractions within Migori and neighbouring Tanzania, as well as improve connectivity to Kisumu, Kisii and Homa Bay.

In addition to passenger travel, the upgraded facility will facilitate the movement of cargo, particularly agricultural and fish products, to markets within Kenya and across borders. It is also expected to strengthen trade links between Kenya and Tanzania.

Barnabas Nyonda, the officer in charge of the airstrip, says the facility will ease congestion at border points.

“Travellers to Tanzania and Uganda will get clearance at the airstrip,” says Mr Nyonda, adding that it will be possible for passengers to fly directly to Johannesburg from Migori.

“We expect to see an increase in the number of tourists both at the national and county levels,” he says, noting that improved connectivity will strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional gateway.

The airstrip had suffered years of neglect prior to the upgrade.

“Before we embarked on the upgrade, there was a mini runway built way back in 1978,” says Mr Nyonda. “The runway was battered and kept making news for the wrong reasons.”

He adds that despite its poor condition, the airstrip continued to receive tourism flights, although it lacked adequate facilities, including shelter for passengers.

However, he says the upgraded facility will present a significantly improved outlook upon completion.

Site engineer Edwin Ondoro says about 100 people are currently working on the project.

“The project is proceeding well. It has enabled a good number of people to earn a living,” Mr Ondoro says.

Jacquline Adaro, one of the workers, says the project has provided her with a source of income.

“I thank President William Ruto for this project. I can now put food on the table and meet other financial obligations,” she says.

Tourism stakeholders also expect increased visitor numbers to nearby attractions such as Ndere National Park in Kisumu County. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, as well as waterbucks, warthogs, monkeys, and the rare sitatunga.

Pauline Adhiambo, a warden at the park, says it already receives international visitors but has the potential to attract more.

“The youth can be tour guides, taking visitors around with boats. By doing so they earn directly from the park,” she says.

The park also offers scenic views of the surrounding region. According to assistant warden Patrick Kiboi, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kisumu city and parts of Homa Bay and Siaya counties from various points within the park.