• Government begins preliminary phase and plans to acquire 1,500 hectares.

• Local communities oppose project and propose upgrading Lokichoggio airport instead.

• Authorities target 10 million tourists by 2027 to boost economic growth.

The Kenyan government has started the preliminary phase of the Turkana international airport project amid land tensions with local communities. Survey teams have already begun topographic assessments on the proposed site, according to local media reports.

The government plans to acquire around 1,500 hectares to secure land for the infrastructure, which will also include a military facility.

However, local communities, largely composed of pastoralists who rely on the land for grazing, are contesting the decision. The dispute has escalated into a standoff involving civil society organizations.

Opponents propose an alternative approach. They suggest rehabilitating the Lokichoggio Airport instead of constructing a new airport in Kangatotha. The airport previously handled regional and domestic flights.

At this stage, authorities have released limited technical details about the project. However, the government emphasizes its potential to stimulate trade and tourism in an underdeveloped region.

Kenya aims to attract 5 million international visitors and 5 million domestic tourists by 2027, compared with about 2.4 million in 2024.

The region hosts the Lake Turkana, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its desert landscapes and unique biodiversity, which strengthens its tourism appeal.

Beyond tourism, Turkana is gaining strategic importance due to oil resources identified in the Lokichar Basin, which could attract investment and industrial activity.

Logistical challenges also support the project’s rationale. Turkana remains one of Kenya’s most isolated regions, with limited and often unreliable road infrastructure that significantly increases travel times to major urban centers.

Nevertheless, the project faces major hurdles. Land disputes remain unresolved, and authorities must still secure financing, conduct environmental and social impact assessments, and ensure local acceptance.

In a region defined by isolation and environmentally sensitive ecosystems, the government’s ability to balance development goals, community inclusion, and natural resource preservation will determine the project’s long-term viability and sustainability.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum