The construction of the Sh314 million Kisumu Air Traffic Control Tower is in its final stages, marking a major milestone in enhancing aviation infrastructure in Western Kenya and the Lake Region. Launched in September 2023, the project is spearheaded by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and undertaken by Polish contractors, with completion now at 97 percent.
The tower, designed to meet international standards, will provide air traffic controllers with an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the airport’s airspace. This elevated vantage point is expected to significantly improve safety, efficiency, and management of aircraft operations at Kisumu International Airport.
Currently, contractors are finalizing interior works, including tiling of staircases and lounges on the 7th and 8th floors, glazing installations, and interior painting. Preparations are also underway for the installation of roof trusses, alongside electrical fittings and other finishes.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who inspected the progress, commended the pace of construction and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure across the country. “This facility will not only enhance the efficiency of air travel but also open up Kisumu and the Lake Region to greater economic and investment opportunities,” he said.
The tower is expected to be a game-changer for the region. Once operational, it will enable international flights to fly directly to Kisumu, bypassing Nairobi, thus boosting the airport’s capacity as a strategic hub. Kisumu International Airport, already classified as a Category 3 facility capable of handling large aircraft and significant passenger volumes, will be elevated to greater operational capacity.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the development, noting that the tower would position the airport as a critical gateway to East and Central Africa, serving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and beyond.
With completion just weeks away, the Kisumu Air Traffic Control Tower is poised to stand as a modern symbol of growth, connectivity, and progress. It reflects Kenya’s broader ambition to strengthen its aviation leadership in the region while opening new economic corridors for trade, tourism, and investment.
