The ongoing resurfacing works at the Malindi International Airport. Photo/handout
Kilifi leaders have renewed calls for the government to fast-track compensation for landowners and squatters affected by the planned expansion of Malindi International Airport.
They said the long-running delay is undermining tourism growth along the North Coast.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi said the project is critical to unlocking the region's tourism potential. They spoke during a tourism stakeholders' forum in Malindi.
Madzayo said residents displaced by the airport expansion deserved prompt compensation to pave the way for the long-awaited runway upgrade capable of accommodating larger international aircraft.
He said compensation for affected landowners and squatters should be concluded without further delay.
"Those landowners and squatters should be paid quickly so the airport can be expanded to international standards," Madzayo said.
The airport expansion has stalled for years due to compensation disputes involving residents displaced during the project's initial phase.
Affected residents are seeking Sh2.5 billion in compensation for land acquired after they were evicted, with the dispute currently before the courts and the Land Acquisition Tribunal, which handles appeals arising from decisions of the National Land Commission.
In 2015, about 230 residents received Sh423 million from the Kenya Airports Authority as compensation for structures on the land.
However, payment for the land itself has reportedly remained pending for more than 15 years.
Mnyazi said the delayed expansion continued to deny the region opportunities to attract more international tourists and investment.
She said upgrading the airport would significantly boost tourism in Malindi and the wider North Coast, where the hospitality industry continues to recover and expand.
The leaders also urged the government to honour its commitment to officially open the Ronald Ngala Utalii College in September, as recently announced by Tourism PS Julius Bitok.
Tourism stakeholders echoed the leaders' concerns, noting that improved air connectivity was essential for sustaining growth.
Ocean Beach Resort and Spa general manager Maureen Awuor, who also chairs the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers North Coast chapter, said Malindi and neighbouring Mambrui were witnessing the emergence of new tourism investment zones.
Kenya Tourism Board chief executive officer June Chepkemei said the country was experiencing strong tourism growth, with Kenya recording about eight million visitors, comprising 5.2 million domestic tourists and 2.7 million international arrivals.
She said the government would continue working closely with the private sector, academic institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen the tourism industry through coordinated planning and investment.
"So, we welcome this engagement. We will continue to engage with the private sector as a government so that we have more collaboration and better coordination of tourism between the government, the private sector, academia and non-state actors," she said.
Instant analysis
The renewed push by Kilifi leaders highlights two long-standing infrastructure projects viewed as critical to unlocking the North Coast's tourism potential. While Kenya continues to record growth in domestic and international tourism, the delayed expansion of Malindi International Airport limits direct international access to the region, reducing its competitiveness against other coastal destinations. Equally, the operationalisation of Ronald Ngala Utalii College is expected to strengthen hospitality training and provide skilled labour for the sector.
