The ongoing construction of Kisumu air traffic control tower/COURTESY
Spearheaded by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and undertaken by Polish contractors, the tower has been designed to meet international standards, positioning Kisumu International Airport as a premier hub for regional air traffic.
Its elevated location within the airport will give controllers an uninterrupted 360-degree view, enhancing safety and efficiency in aircraft operations.
On the ground, the works are visibly taking shape. Contractors are completing tiling on the staircases and lounge areas of the 7th and 8th floors, alongside glazing on the same levels.
Preparations are also underway for the installation of the atrium roof trusses, while interior finishes, including painting and electrical fittings, are in progress.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo lauded the project’s pace and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure in the region.
"This facility will not only enhance the efficiency of air travel but also open up Kisumu and the Lake Region to greater economic and investment opportunities,” he said.
Designed to meet international standards, the tower's elevated position within the Kisumu International Airport will give air traffic controllers a wide and unobstructed view of the airspace.
It will also enable international flights to fly directly to Kisumu, bypassing Nairobi.
Kisumu International Airport is currently classified as a Category 3 facility, capable of handling large aircraft and significant passenger volumes.
The new tower, according to Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, will elevate its operational capacity, positioning it as a critical gateway to East and Central Africa, serving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and beyond.
Once completed, the tower now at 97 per cent, will stand as a modern symbol of growth, connectivity, and progress for Kisumu, further anchoring Kenya’s ambition of becoming an aviation leader in the region.
