A New Beacon for Lake Victoria: Kisumu’s State-of-the-Art Control Tower Nears Completion

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is on the verge of a transformative milestone for regional air travel with the imminent commissioning of the new Kisumu Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Kisumu International Airport. The project has reached an impressive 99% physical completion, signaling a new era for aviation in Western Kenya.

This eight-storey, state-of-the-art facility is more than just a new structure; it is a significant investment in safety, efficiency, and the future of Kenya’s aviation network. Fully equipped with advanced ICT, surveillance, and communication systems, the tower is designed to meet and exceed global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Aligning with Global Standards

The new tower incorporates key international best practices that are critical for modern air navigation:

  • Enhanced Situational Awareness: Advanced surveillance systems, such as ADS-B and multilateration, provide controllers with a highly accurate, real-time picture of all aircraft in the airspace and on the ground, a significant upgrade that aligns with global NextGen and SESAR modernization programs.

  • Optimized Aerodrome Layout: The height and design of the tower offer an unobstructed 360-degree view of the entire airfield, a fundamental requirement under ICAO Annex 14. This ensures controllers can safely manage aircraft movements on runways, taxiways, and aprons, minimizing the risk of incursions.

  • Resilient and Redundant Systems: The facility is built with robust ICT and communication infrastructure, including redundant power and data links. This ensures continuity of service, a core principle of international aviation safety, preventing single points of failure that could disrupt operations.

A Collaborative Step Forward

The project’s progress was recently underscored by a high-level site visit. A delegation led by KCAA Board Chair Mr. Brown M. Ondego, EBS, and the Director of Air Navigation Services, Ms. Anne Gitau, conducted a detailed inspection. They were accompanied by KCAA leadership, the project team, and key stakeholders for a crucial consultative session ahead of the final relocation and commissioning.

This new tower is a cornerstone of KCAA’s strategic mission to modernize Kenya’s aviation infrastructure and deliver world-class air navigation services. It not only enhances the capacity and safety of Kisumu International Airport but also solidifies its role as a key aviation gateway for the entire Lake Victoria region, ready to handle growing traffic for decades to come.


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