Government tightens control of Lokichogio airstrip

The Kenyan government announced yesterday that it would tighten its control of operations at Lokichogio, the humanitarian aid base in northern Kenya. The announcement followed a weekend call by President Daniel arap Moi for a probe into flights to the area. A minister in the Office of the President, Marsden Madoka, said in a statement that “measures are being taken to ensure that the flow of humanitarian assistance to areas affected by conflict is closely monitored to ensure that such activities do not pose danger to the security of this country.” The Kenya Airports Authority will take over the management of the airstrip, the Directorate of Civil Aviation will provide air traffic control services, and Customs and Immigration Officers will now be stationed at the airstrip, the statement said. “Only NGOs and UN agencies who have been duly approved to operate specifically at Lokichogio will be allowed at the airstrip,” he said.