We're improving roads in Nyanza to boost tourism - CS Murkomen

The state is improving road infrastructure in Nyanza to open and promote tourism in the region, Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Murkomen said Nyanza has great potential to develop economically through tourism should they tap and utilise the resources in the region.

Homa Bay has the longest shoreline of Lake Victoria and more than six islands with sandy beaches.

The county also hosts Ruma National Park with distinct Roan antelope species.

Murkomen said they have earmarked for tarmacking roads such as Rusinga Island and Mfangano Island ring roads.

The government has also identified a contractor for building the 74km Mbita-Magunga-Kiabuya–Sori road.

The ministry has already developed plans for expanding the Kabunde airstrip to accommodate more large aircraft.

Families who live adjacent to the airfield have started relocating to new areas to create room for the expansion of the runway.

“The government is keen on developing all parts of the country by capitalising on resources bestowed in the area. We’re going to improve infrastructures to promote tourism in Homa Bay,” Murkomen said.

Speaking during the inaugural flight of Renegade Airline at Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay town on Monday, Murkomen waived landing and parking fees for airline firms.

Renegade Airlines will be undertaking transport activities between Nairobi and Homa Bay.

The CS said they are redesigning Rongo-Homa Bay road to allow expansion of the Kabunde Airstrip.

Murkomen announced that he has instructed officials from Kenya National Highway Authority to redesign the road.

"In order for the Airstrip to accommodate larger flights, it must be expanded and the expansion will affect other infrastructure already in place including the road," he said.

The runway will be extended from 1.2 to 1.65 kilometres for flights to have a smooth landing.

Murkomen said the runway will also have its width extended from 23 metres to 30.

The current runway only accommodates small aircraft and the landing is sometimes bumpy because of the short distance they cover as they take the runway.

Kenya Airports Authority will also embark on rehabilitating the terminal and other facilities at the airstrip including building a car park.

"Tourists should not stop at Maasai Mara alone. Homa Bay needs to be a new destination by making accessibility possible,” he said.

The CS was accompanied by Governor Gladys Wanga, her deputy Oyugi Magwanga and MPs Lillian Gogo (Rangwe), Caroli Omondi (Suba South) and Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town).

Murkomen said Kabunde Airstrip will be one of the beneficiaries of an expansion project of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

"Aviation industry is important to Kenya's economic growth. It is a catalyst to other sectors like manufacturing and agriculture so everyone should take advantage of Kabunde Airstrip," he said 

Wanga said the airstrip will spur economic activities in Homa Bay as taxi drivers will get customers from the airstrip. The hotel industry will also grow.

"Some tourists have always complained about this county being far away. The airstrip will, however, change this," Wanga said.

 The airstrip will also unlock the county's potential in trade and investment as it opens up the lake region to other places in the country.

She said the success of this expansion programme will see some airline companies divert their flights which are currently operating between Kisumu to Nairobi to operate between the capital and the lakeside town as they tap the market in South Nyanza.

“Let my Cabinet members use the facility when going to Nairobi,” she added.

Omondi commended the government, saying infrastructural development will improve trade in the region.

“Fishermen will find it easy to transport fish to the market,” he said.

Kaluma and Gogo urged the government to compensate the remaining families who relocated to other areas for the expansion of the airstrip.

 “The airstrip will promote efficiency in transport between Homa Bay and Nairobi,” Kaluma said.

Renegade Air charges Sh7,600 for a flight between Homa Bay and Nairobi.

The marketing officer Patrick Oketch said they have plans to maintain operating in the route. 

“The aircraft will fly three times in a week. It schedules its flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Homa Bay,” Oketch said.