Garissa Airstrip has been upgraded to transform air travel and unlock economic growth in Northern Kenya. President William Ruto, who inspected the project during a visit to the former provincial headquarters, said the works are ahead of schedule and within budget.
The modernisation includes expansion of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and increase flight frequency. Once complete, the upgraded facility is expected to boost passenger traffic by more than 200,000 annually.
President William Ruto described the project as a key gateway to Northern Kenya. It will also provide critical services, including medical evacuations and humanitarian relief, enhancing emergency response capacity across the region. He said the initiative will strengthen trade, tourism, and regional integration.
“Before, we used to sit under a tree waiting for flights to Nairobi. There was no proper terminal,” said Abdi Hussein, a frequent traveller.
“Today, we are expecting real change when it becomes open to the general public.”
President William Ruto inspects the upgrading of Garissa Airstrip during a visit to Garissa, the former provincial headquarters for Northern Kenya. Photo/ PSCU
The second phase is nearly finished, with 85 percent of construction completed. The project includes a new terminal building fitted with essential passenger services such as an arrival hall, check-in area, Kenya Airports Authority offices, VIP lounge, prayer and wudu areas, retail outlets, a search room, and expanded parking facilities to handle increasing passenger traffic.
Mama Amina Gedi said improved air connectivity will open new business opportunities. “This will help us move goods faster and attract investors. Garissa is growing.”
The upgrade marks a shift for a facility that once had limited infrastructure and minimal passenger comfort, ushering in a new chapter for Garissa County.
The final phase involves the ongoing extension of the runway by 1.5 kilometres and rehabilitation of the taxiway and apron, which form the fourth phase of the project. Scheduled for completion by April 2026, these upgrades will enable the airstrip to accommodate larger planes and support daily flights to Nairobi, transforming the facility into a functional regional aviation hub.
