2 October 2026

Kenya Inspects Runway and Aircraft Parking Works at Manda Airport in Lamu

Edited by:

African Pilot Newsdesk

Why this article matters
Manda Airport is being prepared for higher traffic, with KAA’s works covering the runway surface and markings, passenger walkways and the space available to park aircraft. The State Department ties that preparation to the expected launch of the Dangote oil refinery and the economic activity it is expected to bring to Lamu.

Runway condition and aircraft parking set how many movements the airport can handle, so the works bear on its capacity as operations grow.

Of Interest
- On 28 September 2026 Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika inspected works at Manda Airport in Lamu.
- The works at Manda Airport cover runway repair and marking, improved passenger walkways and increased aircraft parking capacity.
- The Kenya Airports Authority, led by Managing Director Moses Wekesa, is carrying out the works.
- The State Department links the works to preparations for the launch of the Dangote oil refinery.

Works at Manda Airport in Lamu mainly cover repair and marking of the runway, improvement of passenger walkways and an increase in aircraft parking capacity to support anticipated growth in airport operations. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director Moses Wekesa set out the scope of the works on 28 September 2026, when Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir and Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika inspected the site.

According to the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, the works are part of preparations ahead of the launch of the Dangote oil refinery, which is expected to stimulate economic activity, and form part of the Government’s programme to enhance aviation infrastructure in readiness for the region’s emerging economic opportunities.

The State Department describes the works as investment ahead of demand, intended to position Kenya’s airports to support trade, tourism, investment and jobs in Lamu and beyond.