Kisumu International Airport (IATA: KIS, ICAO: HKKI) is an international airport in Kisumu, the third-largest city in Kenya. It holds the distinction of being the third-busiest airport in Kenya, and the busiest airport in Kenya west of Nairobi, and the country's fourth international airport.
Map of Kenya with Kisumu highlighted
Historical Context and Development
Kisumu, is located in the Lake Victoria area in the former Nyanza Province. The city has a population of slightly over 600,000. Kisumu was identified by the British explorers in early 1898 as an alternative railway terminus and port for the Uganda Railway, then under construction.
In July 1899, the first skeleton plan for Kisumu was prepared, including landing places and wharves along the northern lakeshore, near the present-day Airport Road. By February 1903, the railway line had been opened for goods and passenger transportation. Kisumu was also privileged to host the first flight in Kenya; the current police workshop was the first hangar in Kenya.
During World War II, three aircraft operated by the South African Air Force crashed into Lake Victoria soon after take-off from Kisumu Airport. The first, a Lockheed Lodestar aircraft number "K"-248 (ex ZS-ATK) carrying a senior South African military officer, Major General Dan Pienaar, crashed on 19 December 1942, killing all 12 persons on board.
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Strategic Importance of Kisumu
Apart from being an important political city, Kisumu is one of the premier industrial and commercial centers in Kenya. It is also an intellectual city. Culturally, Kisumu serves as the center of the Luo people of East Africa.
It is an important link in the trade route between Lake Victoria and Mombasa because of its water and rail connections. Also, it is the chief terminus for the agricultural produce of Nyanza and Western regions.
Flights and Destinations
Kisumu International Airport has regular flights to Nairobi and other neighboring cities such as Mombasa. Regular regional flights go to the two airports in the capital Nairobi International Airport and Nairobi Wilson and also fly to Eldoret, Mombasa and Mwanza.
Most popular destinations from Kisumu (Flights per week):
- Nairobi
- Mombasa
- Eldoret
- Mwanza
Top airlines (percentage of departures and arrivals):
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- Airkenya (44.33%)
- Jambojet (19.79%)
- Kenya Airways (10.03%)
KISUMU CITY LIKE NEVER BEFORE: A DRONE TOUR OF KENYA’S BEAUTIFUL LAKESIDE HUB!
Location and Accessibility
Kisumu's elevation is 1,131 m (3,711 ft) and is about 320 km (200 mi) northwest of Nairobi, on the shores of Lake Victoria. The airport is located about 5 km or 3 miles west of Kisumu and is accessible on the highway B-1.
Kisumu City: A Hub of Activity
Industries are centered on processing agricultural products, brewing, and textile manufacturing. It is thriving with the sugar and rice irrigation industries, whose contribution to the national economy is immense due to its natural resources and as the epicenter for business in Kenya.
Attractions in the city include Kibuye Market, Oile Market, the Kisumu Museum, an impala sanctuary, a bird sanctuary, Hippo Point, shopping malls and the nearby Kit Mikaye and Ndere Island National Park.
Table: Key Facts About Kisumu International Airport
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | KIS |
| ICAO Code | HKKI |
| Location | Kisumu, Kenya |
| Status | International Airport |
| Importance | Third-busiest airport in Kenya |
Kisumu City
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Safety and Security Considerations
Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited.
Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. Access to medical care in Kenya is limited and medical facilities may not have adequate supply of medicine, especially outside large cities.
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