Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o says the lakeside city is accelerating its transformation into a regional investment and logistics hub, backed by expanding aviation infrastructure and growing connectivity within the East African market.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili during the launch of Safarilink’s inaugural Kisumu–Entebbe flight, Nyong’o said Kisumu’s strategic location within the Lake Victoria Basin places it at the centre of regional trade, policy dialogue and economic cooperation. He noted that the city’s proximity to Uganda and other East African markets strengthens its role as a gateway for business and innovation.
The Governor said the new flight route comes at a pivotal moment, following the recent opening of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission headquarters near Kisumu International Airport. He said the direct link to Entebbe will ease travel for officials and businesspeople from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, eliminating the need to route through Nairobi or endure long road journeys.
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Nyong’o described the Kisumu-Entebbe connection as a major boost for regional integration, enabling faster movement of traders, investors and tourists. He added that the city’s modernising airport infrastructure including a newly completed air traffic control tower and an ongoing runway expansion from 3.5km to 4.5km, positions Kisumu to attract more international airlines and diverse routes.
He said the county expects further growth once the national government establishes cold rooms and warehousing facilities at the airport to support export of agricultural produce from the wider Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB). The bloc, comprising 14 counties and home to up to 14.9 million people, contributes nearly 29 per cent of Kenya’s GDP through agriculture.
Safarilink’s new route will operate daily, with one‑way fares set at Sh14,000 from Kisumu to Entebbe and Sh19,000 from Wilson Airport to Entebbe. Nyong’o urged residents and businesses to leverage the enhanced connectivity to deepen trade ties and strengthen Kisumu’s position as a regional powerhouse.
By Fredrick Odiero
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