Kisumu has taken a significant step in regional aviation with the completion of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Kisumu International Airport.
The eight-storey facility, constructed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), is equipped with modern ICT, communication, and surveillance systems that meet international aviation standards.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the tower will enhance the airport’s operational efficiency, safety, and airspace management, allowing it to handle growing air traffic more effectively.
“Kisumu International Airport, already classified as a Class 3 facility, now strengthens its position as a key aviation hub in Kenya and the Lake Region,” he said.
He added that the tower is expected to support seamless connectivity within Kenya and to neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, contributing to regional trade, tourism, and economic activity.
PS Omollo also highlighted that the government is focused on expanding Kenya’s aviation capacity through strategic investments in modern infrastructure to enhance safety, efficiency, and regional competitiveness.
The Sh314 million project, launched in September 2023, was undertaken by Polish contractors and designed to meet global aviation standards.
The tower’s elevated position provides air traffic controllers with a clear 360-degree view of the airspace, enabling smoother and safer aircraft operations.
The facility is expected to facilitate international flights to Kisumu, allowing some to land directly without routing through Nairobi.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, during the project’s launch, described the tower as a critical asset that enhances the airport’s operational capacity and reinforces Kisumu’s role as a regional gateway linking countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
With the new ATC tower operational, Kisumu International Airport is poised to play a larger role in regional connectivity, economic growth, and Kenya’s broader ambitions in aviation.
