Government Issues Notice to Landowners for Malindi Airport Expansion and Other Key Projects
The government has announced plans to expand Malindi International Airport to improve its capacity and meet the growing demand from both local and international travelers. This decision follows persistent calls from area residents urging the authorities to upgrade the facility.
The National Land Commission (NLC), acting on behalf of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has officially declared its intention to acquire additional parcels of land to facilitate the airport’s expansion.
In a gazette notice, the NLC invited individuals and organizations affected by the acquisition to come forward for compensation, as efforts to fast-track the project gain momentum.
“In accordance with Section 112 of the Land Act, 2012, Part VIII, and further to previous Gazette Notices No. 339 and 3020 of 2017, 2677 of 2018, and 2997 of 2019, as well as in compliance with Land Acquisition Tribunal Orders Case Number: TRLAA/E001/2024 dated February 8, 2024, the National Land Commission, on behalf of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), reaffirms its plan to acquire specific parcels of land for the expansion of Malindi Airport,” the notice stated.
For years, discussions surrounding the expansion of Malindi Airport have been ongoing, with the government committing up to KSh 5 billion towards the project. However, progress has been slow, with little visible work done despite the allocation of funds.
Under the expansion plans, several key improvements are expected, including the extension of the runway, the construction of a security perimeter fence, and the development of a modern parking facility.
Specifically, the airport’s Runway 17/35 is set to be lengthened to 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), a 7.5-kilometer perimeter fence will be erected, and a new parking area with the capacity to accommodate up to 500 vehicles will be built.
The expansion is expected to bring multiple benefits, such as attracting direct international flights, boosting tourism, and creating new job opportunities in the region. However, progress has been hampered by disputes between landowners and the government, primarily concerning compensation for the acquired land.
Expansion Efforts Intensified After Fatal Plane Crash
The push to expand Malindi Airport gained renewed urgency following a tragic plane crash that claimed three lives. Many local residents believe the accident was caused by the airport’s short runway, which makes takeoffs and landings more challenging.
The incident occurred on Friday, January 10, 2025, when a privately owned Cessna 172 aircraft, registered as 5Y-CDC, crashed near Kwa-Chocha, adjacent to Royal Plaza in Malindi.
While the flight crew escaped without injuries, the crash resulted in the deaths of three people, including a local school headteacher and a child. Witnesses reported seeing their bodies lying near the wreckage along the roadside.
Land Acquisition for Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Extension
Apart from the Malindi Airport expansion, the NLC also issued a notice informing the public of the government’s plan to acquire more land for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2A project, which runs along the Nairobi-Naivasha route.
This development comes shortly after the government announced that construction of the SGR extension from Kenya to Uganda is set to begin. The massive KSh 648 billion project will be funded by the Chinese government and is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity.
Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohammed Daghar confirmed that the railway line will be extended from Naivasha to Malaba, linking Kenya with neighboring countries, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Rwanda. The construction is expected to take four years, with work scheduled to commence this year.
These infrastructure projects are expected to significantly boost transportation and trade within the region, enhancing economic growth and opening new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike.
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