Two local airlines, Fly 540 and Fly SAX, have set up offices at Isiolo International Airport ahead of its opening for domestic flights.The move is now awaiting a greenlight from the Kenya Civil Association Authority (KCAA).Investors in the agriculture, tourism and livestock sectors from surrounding counties are eying huge benefits following completion of the facility.The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), miraa farmers, exporters and tourism stakeholders on Monday expressed optimism that the Sh1.7 billion infrastructure will be a boon for their businesses.Miraa exporters also want the plant's export hub relocated from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the new airport that sits on an 800-acre land.The move, which could help reduce accidents along the Nairobi-Meru highway, is awaiting a nod from KCAA."We normally ferry live animals on lorries to neighbouring counties but the new facility will enable livestock traders to transport meat by air," KNCCI Isiolo branch chairman Hussein Jamaa said.Pastoralist farmers from Meru and Laikipia are also eying the hub for transportation of beef and horticultural produce.He is hopeful that the airport's abattoir will be completed soon so traders from Isiolo, Marsabit and Samburu counties may benefit from the facility.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa