Isiolo International Airport runway extension is set to commence early next year, Kenya Airports Authority has said.
The construction of the runaway which is expected to cost Ksh 1.2Bn will be financed through exchequer funding.
KAA said the airport will be fully re-opened in January once renovation on the existing runway and a cargo apron is completed.
The facility is an important link to the new transport corridor which the government is developing under the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia-Transport corridor project.
It was launched by the Retired President Mwai Kibaki in 2013 and officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.
However the facility has largely failed to live up to its expectations, with some airlines beginning operations to and from the facility and later withdrawing after a few flights.
KAA embarked on renovating and expanding the Isiolo 1.4 kilometers runway. Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna says the renovation works will be completed later this year.
The facility has a handling capacity of 125,000 passengers a year, with its terminal designed to accommodate more residents and tourists.
It sits on an 800-acre piece of land with parking facilities that can take 200 vehicles.
The airport is also expected to serve the Ethiopian and South Sudan economies.
