Government to resume construction of stalled Suneka Airstrip in Kisii

MERCY OSONGO-KNA

The Government is set to resume the construction of Suneka Airstrip in Kisii South Sub-County following fresh consultations with Gusii leaders.

Speaking after inspecting the facility, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that President William Ruto had directed leaders to review the status of the airstrip and facilitate the recommencement of works.

“The airstrip was decommissioned, but we are now recommissioning it under the President’s instructions so that this facility can begin operating here in Kisii,” said Ogamba.

He further revealed that Gusii leaders had met the President at State House a week earlier, where they agreed to revive a series of stalled projects.

The Suneka Airstrip was first rehabilitated in 2015 at a cost of Sh52 million, which covered the construction of a passenger lounge with a capacity of 200 people, a car park, toilets, a perimeter fence, and runway markings.

In 2020, the government allocated an additional Sh300 million for expansion to accommodate cargo and passenger airlines.

However, the facility was decommissioned in August 2023 after President Ruto noted the available land was insufficient for further expansion by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

Once completed, the revived airstrip is expected to significantly boost trade and tourism in Southern Nyanza due to its proximity to Maasai Mara and Ruma National Parks.

Ogamba further disclosed that the ASK showground in Kisii town will be relocated to create space for a new state-ofthe-art stadium, which will also support learners pursuing Arts and Sports Science under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

The CS announced that Kisii Main Prison will also be moved to Nyanturago to allow the construction of affordable housing on its current 15-acre parcel.