Kakamega Airstrip Expansion Moves Closer to Completion [Photos]

Kakamega Airstrip in Shinyalu Constituency is moving closer to completion as Phase II of its rehabilitation and expansion advances.

In an update on Thursday, September 24, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the expansion was part of efforts to improve transport and connectivity infrastructure linking people, markets and opportunities across the country.

"To reimagine Kenya Beyond Vision 2030, we must also reimagine the transport and connectivity infrastructure that links people, markets and opportunities," he wrote.

According to Omollo, the Phase II project is being implemented under the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and is intended to position Kakamega Airstrip as a modern regional aviation hub.

The expansion will extend the existing 1.2-kilometre runway to 2 kilometres, allowing the facility to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft and regional commercial jets.

Omollo said construction had reached the stage where runway formation works and preparations for the asphalt wearing course were underway as the project approached the final surfacing stage.

"Construction is progressing, with the runway formation works and preparation for the asphalt wearing course underway, as the project moves towards final surfacing," he added.

Omollo said the second phase builds on works undertaken during Phase I, which included the rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and apron. 

The project also incorporates additional safety and operational features aimed at improving the airstrip's capacity.

"The phase also builds on the rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and apron undertaken under Phase I, with enhanced safety features including Runway End Safety Areas, obstacle controls, airfield lighting, navigational markings and improved support facilities," he further said.

Omollo said the expanded airstrip would improve regional connectivity while supporting medical evacuations, cargo movement and tourism, alongside creating new opportunities in Western Kenya.

"Once operational, the expanded airstrip will strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate medical evacuations, support cargo movement and tourism and create new opportunities across Western Kenya," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the government has moved to revive the Bomet Airstrip, officially known as Itembe Airstrip, more than 30 years after it fell into disuse. 

In an update on Wednesday, September 2, Omollo said the airstrip is currently undergoing a major overhaul since 1990. 

According to the PS, the airstrip was originally cleared as a murram runway during the colonial period, before it was tarmacked in 1990. 

However, the airstrip was abandoned and was used as a driving-school training ground and grazing field. 

"Originally cleared as a simple murram runway during the colonial period, it was first tarmacked in 1990 but subsequently fell into disuse and deep decay. 

"For over three decades, under successive administrations, the dormant facility was used mainly as a driving-school training ground and grazing field," he stated. 

Omollo said the airstrip is now being revived by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), with structural completion targeted for the end of 2026.

He highlighted that the first phase of the project is currently underway, with earthworks, subgrade preparation and compaction progressing ahead of asphalt surfacing.

"Phase 1 works are progressing, with earthworks, subgrade preparation and compaction underway ahead of asphalt surfacing," he added. 

Omollo mentioned that once completed, the revived airstrip will have a 1,000-metre by 18-metre asphalt-concrete runway, taxiway and aircraft parking apron. 

The Bomet Airstrip will also feature a windsock, drainage system and perimeter security fence, all designed to meet applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Further, Omollo said the airstrip will improve connectivity to the region and support air ambulance operations serving the AGC Tenwek Hospital and its Cardiothoracic Centre.