Migori’s Lichota Airport to Handle 500,000 Passengers Annually Under New Upgrade

Migori County’s Lichota Airport is undergoing an upgrade that will enable the facility to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project, being implemented by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), will replace the airport’s existing basic waiting facilities with a modern passenger terminal equipped to accommodate growing domestic and international travel needs.

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"The ongoing development of the Lichota Passenger Terminal in Migori County underscores the role of modern transport connectivity in driving regional growth, expanding trade and investment, and linking local economies to wider markets," he wrote.

Omollo said the new terminal will feature separate domestic and international passenger zones, alongside Customs and Immigration facilities to support passenger processing and cross-border movement.

The upgrade will also integrate the terminal with the airport’s expanded two-kilometre runway, which is intended to support larger commercial aircraft and enhance the facility’s capacity to handle air traffic.

Omollo said the improved infrastructure was expected to create new economic opportunities for Migori County and neighbouring areas by facilitating trade, attracting investors and supporting tourism.

"The facility is expected to boost cross-border trade, attract investment and open up tourism opportunities across Migori and the wider region," he added.

The project is expected to strengthen Migori’s position as a regional transport hub, particularly given its proximity to neighbouring markets and the potential for increased movement of passengers and goods across borders.

Security and border management will also be important components of the airport’s operations once the upgraded facilities are in use.

Omollo said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration would play a key role in coordinating security and border control arrangements.

"The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will be instrumental in coordinating security and border control operations, ensuring safe, orderly and efficient movement of passengers and goods," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the ongoing development and rehabilitation of Muhuru Bay Pier is expected to strengthen regional trade, improve fish marketing and unlock the Blue Economy potential of Lake Victoria in Migori County.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 27, Omollo said construction works on the project, launched by President William Ruto in May 2025 and managed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), were progressing, with the project incorporating measures to stabilise the pier approach and protect the shoreline from the effects of waves.

"Revetment works are progressing through the installation of a steel retaining barrier in the lake and the placement and compaction of rock fill to form and stabilise the pier approach while protecting the shoreline against wave action," he wrote.

The revetment works are expected to support the development of the pier by strengthening the shoreline and providing a stable approach to the planned port facilities.

Once completed, the project will feature a 50-by-30-metre reinforced concrete jetty designed to accommodate larger vessels. 

It will also include cold storage facilities to preserve fish, an administrative block to support port and customs operations, and perimeter security infrastructure.

The facilities are expected to improve fish handling and preservation while providing infrastructure for more efficient port operations and the movement of goods across Lake Victoria.

Omollo said the port would deliver benefits to fishing communities by reducing losses, improving access to markets and strengthening transport connections between lakeside towns.

"Once operational, the port will reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for fishermen and strengthen lake transport links with Homa Bay, Sori and Kisumu," he added.