Kenya to Build Its First Exclusive Cargo Airport, Trade CS Moses Kuria Says

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has revealed the government’s plan to build Kenya’s first exclusive cargo airport. 

Kuria said the aerodrome, the first of its kind in East and Central Africa, will be constructed within the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) land in Athi River, Machakos County.

“We want to build the cargo airport because we do not have cargo flights to transport our vegetables, avocados, and flowers to other countries. By doing so we will create thousands of jobs,” Kuria said during the launch of East African Portland Cement Company’s Green Cement on Tuesday.

He sent a notice to squatters occupying the land belonging to the East African Portland Cement Company, saying they will be evicted soon.

“I am today announcing that from Monday next week, I will send the entire National Youth Service to Athi River to start digging trenches along the EAPCC land,” he said, adding that once the trenches are done, all the structures inside the company’s land will be brought down.

Kuria pointed out that he is under pressure from President Ruto to work on green energy and to lift the country’s GDP contribution of manufacturing from seven percent to 22 percent in the next 7 years.

“How will I work on the government agenda when I have to deal with the question of squatters? This is a clear message to the squatters who have grabbed the EAPCC land,” the CS said.

Kuria said he is expecting the EAPCC to be the best cement company in the country and for its land to provide the best cargo hub in East and Central Africa.