KDF to help rebuild Garissa Airstrip, expand its runway to 1.4 kilometres

In a statement issued by the KDF, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the ministry will deploy members of the armed forces to help in expanding the airstrip's runway from 1.2 kilometres to 1.4 kilometres, and make major changes that will give it a facelift. 

"Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has assured the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) of the steadfast support of the Ministry of Defence in the intended major refurbishment of Garissa Airstrip to make it accommodate more aircraft and ease the transport of goods and people," the statement read in part.

The contractor is already on the ground and the project shall take place in 3 phases, where the first phase shall entail the construction of a perimeter wall around the facility and the expansion of the runway.

Duale made the remarks when he visited the airstrip in the company of Garissa County Governor Nadhif Jamah, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, his counterpart in the State Department for Transport Mohamed Daghar, Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi and other senior officials from the two ministries.