Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has commissioned a new control tower with a modern air traffic control system at Lokichogio Airport at a cost of Sh114 million.

Transport Minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere commissioned the equipment, which is expected to improve provision of air navigation services for the development of Northern Kenya.

Speaking at the launch of the airport on Thursday, Mwakwere said the tower will improve accessibility into Southern Sudan, and also improve safety of Kenya's airspace.

The completion of the control tower reflects the changing times of the Lokichogio airport, which supports relief operations in Southern Sudan.

"This airport has greatly contributed to the success of the relief food operations in Southern Sudan, provision of food in refugees camps, both inside and outside Sudan and evacuation of victims of war," said the minister.

"The Government is committed to opening up the Northern part of Kenya and improve the lives of people in the region. As the situation in Southern Sudan continues to improve and traffic at the airport declines, there is need to ensure that strategies are put in place to ensure sustainability of the airport by replacing relief efforts with commercial cargo, tourists and passenger traffic," added Mwakwere.