Garissa Airstrip temporarily closed for repairs
The closure is expected to disrupt the weekly commercial flights connecting Garissa and Nairobi, which operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced the temporary closure of the Garissa Airstrip to allow for urgent maintenance and upgrade works, affecting both commercial and logistical operations in North Eastern Kenya.
In a notice to the public, Eng. Edward M. Mbugua, Manager of Regional Airports (North Eastern Region), and copied to various aviation and regional officials, KAA stated that the closure takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
The decision, KAA said, is aimed at enhancing safety standards and modernizing infrastructure at the airstrip.
“We regret any inconvenience caused by this closure and appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders and the general public,” the authority stated.
The closure is expected to disrupt the weekly commercial flights connecting Garissa and Nairobi, which operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The flights—costing around Sh9,000 per seat—usually take under an hour and serve a vital transportation link for government officials, aid workers, and local travelers.
The Garissa Airstrip is also extensively used by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and humanitarian agencies. While civilian traffic will be grounded, military operations are expected to be redirected to Modika Barracks, a nearby infantry base operated by the Kenya Army.
The memo was addressed to key figures, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Garissa Police Station, the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), the Airport Security Commandant, and the Airstrip In-Charge, Kato. It was also copied to Ibrahim Sheikh, the Garissa Station Manager.
Maalim Bakara, a local travel agency owner, said the temporary shutdown will have ripple effects on logistics, humanitarian access, and regional mobility.
“This is a region where air transport plays a critical role due to vast distances and periodic insecurity,” he said.
KAA has assured the public that every effort will be made to expedite the repair process and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
