Malindi Airport Set for Sh5.5bn Revamp in Kenya-Italy Tourism Initiative

The Italian ambassador Roberto Natali recently met with Kenya's Transport and Roads Minister Davis Chirchir and Deputy Minister Mohamed Daghar in Nairobi.

The high-level dialogue focused on the development of Malindi International Airport and surrounding road networks. These discussions form part of the broader Mattei Plan for Africa, an initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships between Italy and African countries with Kenya identified as a key pilot nation for development projects. A central topic of the meeting was the expansion and modernization of Malindi International Airport, a crucial facility serving Kilifi County and the wider coastal region. Ambassador Natali highlighted longstanding requests from the Italian expatriate community in Malindi and Watamu for the extension and upgrade of the airport's runway.

This improvement would enable the accommodation of larger aircraft and facilitate direct flights from Europe. This move is considered vital for boosting tourism and expanding international connectivity. The proposed airport expansion is expected to have far-reaching effects on the local economy, potentially creating numerous employment opportunities. The tourism industry, a major economic driver for the region, would likely see increased visitor numbers making it easier for international tourists to access not only the coastal areas but also nearby attractions such as Tsavo National Park.

During the discussions, Ambassador Natali emphasized the importance of upgrading the surrounding infrastructure, particularly the coastal road connecting Malindi and Watamu. He noted that enhanced road networks would improve transportation for both tourists and residents, ultimately stimulating commerce and fostering regional development. The ambassador proposed conducting an economic feasibility study to explore potential partnerships between the Italian and Kenyan public and private sectors. Minister Chirchir welcomed this suggestion, acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts to advance the region's infrastructure.

Tourist safety was another key issue addressed during the meeting with Ambassador Natali expressing concern over the safety standards of vehicles used for tourist transportation, particularly during transfers and safaris. He suggests that improvements in this area could enhance the overall visitor experience and reinforce Kenya's reputation as a premier safari destination. This aligns with ongoing efforts by the Kenyan government to improve road safety and maintain the country's thriving tourism sector without compromising visitor well-being. The discussions took place within the broader context of the Mattei Plan for Africa, named after Enrico Mattei, founder of the Italian energy company ENI.

This initiative aims to reshape Italy's strategy for Africa by allocating approximately €5.5 billion for development over the next five to seven years. The plan focuses on five key areas: education, health, agriculture, water, and energy. As one of the pilot countries, Kenya stands to benefit significantly from this initiative which seeks to promote sustainable development and strengthen bilateral relations.