Kenya's fifth airport, Isiolo International, will start operations in June.

Engineers from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said last week they were satisfied with the facility, which is part of Kenya’s flagship Vision 2030 projects.

The airport is expected to promote growth and unlock the economic potential of the region and the neighbouring pastoralist areas; boost trade between Kenya and neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and ease transport of livestock products from the region to markets such as the United Arab Emirates.

KAA managing director Yatich Kangugo, who led an assessment crew comprising aeronautical and structural engineers, said the Ksh2.7 billion ($26.8 million) airport will begin operations in the next four weeks.

The airport has a 4,500 square metre passenger terminal with a capacity to handle 125,000 passengers annually.

Extend runway

Mr Kangugo recommended that the 1.4km runway be extended to accommodate bigger aircraft. He also said those affected by its expansion will be relocated once plans by the national land commission are finalised.

“Already, some of the affected residents have been compensated but we plan to resettle others who are near the facility,” said Mr Kangugo.

He added that challenges of reliable water and electricity supply to the facility will be addressed in the next two weeks. The runway, patrol roads, arrival and departure terminals, parking bay and other areas were approved for operation.

Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo said, “Once the project is operational, it will unlock the economic potential of the region and the neighbouring pastoralist areas.”

He urged local residents from Isiolo and the neighbouring counties to take advantage of the airport.