The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced that construction of the new eight-storey Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Kisumu International Airport is 99 per cent complete. The facility, which is expected to be officially commissioned soon, represents a major leap forward in enhancing aviation safety, efficiency, and air traffic management across the western region of Kenya.
The tower, built at a cost of Sh314 million, is a central part of KCAA’s broader modernization agenda aimed at aligning Kenya’s aviation infrastructure with international standards. Designed and constructed to global specifications, the new ATC tower will enable Kisumu International Airport to manage increasing air traffic volumes more effectively, boosting its status as a regional aviation hub.
Once operational, the tower will provide air traffic controllers with a 360-degree view of the airport and its surroundings, significantly improving visibility and coordination of aircraft movements. Equipped with state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems, it will enhance both domestic and regional flight management, ensuring smoother and safer operations.
Located strategically within the airport, the tower’s elevated position will allow for uninterrupted surveillance of all take-offs, landings, and ground operations. This is expected to bolster the airport’s ability to handle larger aircraft and increased passenger traffic, while strengthening its role as a gateway to East and Central Africa — serving countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Kisumu International Airport, currently rated as a Category 3 facility, continues to grow in importance as a key link between Kenya’s western region and neighbouring nations. The new control tower is a crucial step in positioning the airport as a premier hub for regional connectivity and trade.
The project underscores the government’s commitment to expanding aviation infrastructure and promoting balanced regional development. Once commissioned, the Kisumu ATC Tower will stand as a modern symbol of progress, connectivity, and growth — reinforcing Kenya’s ambition to become a leading aviation centre in Africa.
