RESIDENTS ENGAGED ON EXPANSION OF KAKAMEGA AIRSTRIP

A Committee mandated to spearhead the expansion process of Kakamega Airstrip to a fully fledged Airport has began working.

Members of the Committee led by the CECM for Lands, Housing, Urban Areas and Physical Planning Mrs Peninah Mukabane on Friday organized a public participation forum with members of the public at Airstrip area, Murhanda Ward, Shinyalu Sub-County, marking the take off of the long awaited project that has got the blessings of Kakamega Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa and President William Ruto.

In her speech, Mrs Mukabane appreciated the residents for agreeing to pave way to allow for the expansion and assured of a fair and just compensation & resettlement process to the affected locals. She said the County Government is working closely with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Ministry of Lands, the local Administration and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless exercise.

The subsequent task for the team will now be identification of the people likely to be affected, mobilisation and enhanced sensitization of all residents in the area, followed by recommendations which will inform the next course of action. The CECM was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues; Mr Lawrence Omuhaka (Public Service and Administration) and CPA Livingstone Imbayi (Finance and Economic Planning).

Area Member of County Assembly Hon. Elphas Shilosio lauded the County Government for involving all stakeholders and appreciated residents for welcoming the project that is expected to empower them and spur development in the area.

The residents implored the Government to facilitate development of social amenities, schools, health facilities as well as infrastructure at their relocation places.

Chief Officer for Lands Administration, Survey and Physical Planning Ms Faith Gitira and her counterpart at the Housing and Urban Areas docket Mr Patrick Butichi were also present among other Government officers from both levels of Government.