Construction starts at Kenya's Kisuma Airport amid tight security

Construction work at Kenya's Kisuma Airport has finally started amid tight security.

The airport has been at the centre of a protracted legal dispute between the government and the Kogony Clan, who claim ownership of the land the airport stands on. Violent protests have so far stopped attempts to start construction of the KES 2.9 billion (US$ 38 million) expansion, which has been in the pipeline since 2003.

Four people were arrested at the latest demonstration as construction started this week.

The Kogony Clan are asking for compensation for ancestral lands they claim will be lost under the expansion plan. They are also asking for compensation for land lost when the original airport was built in 1914.

At present, Kisumu is Kenya's third busiest airport despite being solely for domestic flights.

The expansion involves lengthening the 1.7 km runway to 3 km and widening it to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the 400-seat Boeing 767.

A new passenger terminal, parking bay, apron and taxiway are also planned.

The expansion is also seen as a spring-board to regional economic growth as it will allow local businesses easier access to markets outside the country. When completed it will be Kenya's fourth international airport.