Garissa, Wajir airport upgrades advance ahead of Madaraka Day

by STEPHEN ASTARIKOSunday May 31, 2026

Officials from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) inspecting the Wajir Airport/STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Work on major aviation upgrades in Garissa and Wajir is gathering pace, with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) using a weekend inspection to take stock of projects meant to ease travel and boost commerce across Northern Kenya.

KAA Managing Director Moses Wekesa led the tour on Saturday alongside General Manager for Operations and Safety Dr Simon Peter and General Manager for Engineering Services Meshack Ochieng, as the team assessed progress on the key sites.

In Garissa, the officials examined rehabilitation works at Garissa Airstrip, where the project is now close to completion.

The improvements include extending the runway from 1,200 metres to 1,280 metres, building two taxiways and constructing a new apron to improve the airstrip’s handling capacity and operating efficiency.

The delegation also visited the new terminal building being put up by the Garissa County Government, which is expected to be finished by the end of June.

KAA said the works underline cooperation between the national and county governments, with the authority handling pavement rehabilitation while the county takes charge of the terminal construction.

The team later moved to Wajir Airport, where plans are advancing for a separate civilian passenger terminal.

The proposed facility is meant to keep civilian and military operations apart, a change expected to improve safety, passenger comfort and overall efficiency at the airport.

While in Wajir, the KAA officials held consultations with Wajir East MP Mohamed Aden Daudi ahead of the planned groundbreaking for the project.

President William Ruto is expected to preside over the launch during this year’s June 1 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County.

The airport projects are part of a wider government push to modernise aviation infrastructure, improve regional links and spur economic growth in the northern part of the country.

The stadium features a full-sized football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, VIP lounges, changing rooms and spectator facilities designed to international standards.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility on Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the stadium was more than 90 per cent complete and ready to host the June 1 celebrations.

The handover marked a key milestone in preparations for the national event, which is set to be held in the North Eastern region for the first time since Kenya attained independence.

On Friday, the National Celebrations Steering Committee officially took over the newly constructed 10,000-seater stadium in Wajir town.