Barasa asks Chirchir to solve Kakamega Airstrip crisis

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to quickly step in and upgrade the infrastructural problems facing Kakamega Airstrip.

This comes a day after Skyward Express suspended flights in and out of Kakamega Airstrip over what they termed poor state of the runway.

“I am appealing to our able Transport CS Davis Chirchir, through the Kenya Airports Authority to take very quick action because that runway and other airport business are under the Authority,” Barasa said.

Barasa who was speaking in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega town, said the airstrip was contributing to the economic growth of the county.

He further noted that since its operationalisation, the airport has been an important source of business and revenue through tourism for the local residents and Kakamega County at large.

“We can’t continue having flights suspended because residents depend on it for transport and business. The concerned Authority should make a quick decision to correct the concerns so that we can have all the affected activities restored,” he said.

The governor said there is need and room for expanding the airstrip to a full airport capable of serving the Western region.

In a letter dated September 28,2024 Skyward Express suspended flights in and out of Kakamega Airstrip effective September 30,2024.

“This decision is due to the deteriorating condition of the runway at the Kakamega Airstrip which no longer meets our safety standards,” the statement reads.

The Kakamega airstrip officially commenced full flight operations on Wednesday, December 14, 2023 when it received its first maiden flight, days after it was commissioned by President William Ruto.

Kakamega Airstrip then had a newly rehabilitated Runway and Taxiway and an expanded Apron after undergoing rehabilitation works at a cost of Sh174.7 million, project undertaken by Kenya Airports Authority.

Following the rehabilitation works, the airstrip’s pavements could now accommodate Code C aircraft - Q300, Fokker 50 and CRJ in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.