A section of leaders from Narok County has raised strong objections to the construction of a proposed international airport in the Maasai Mara, citing concerns over the location of the project. The leaders argue that the planned site allegedly on land associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta should not be used for such a major public infrastructure project.
Speaking during a community meeting in Siana Ward, Narok West Constituency, the leaders insisted that the airport should instead be built on public land within Narok. Their main concern is that constructing the airport on private land could hinder local benefits, including job creation and equitable development.
“We are saying, as Narok leaders, we will not allow an international airport to be built on land belonging to an individual. We want it to be built here in Narok so that our youth can get jobs,” said Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng’eno.
The proposed airport is set to be launched by President William Ruto at the end of the month as part of his scheduled development tour in Narok County. The President’s visit is expected to highlight key government projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and tourism in the region.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has urged local leaders to set aside political differences during the President’s visit and focus on securing development projects for their communities. He emphasized the importance of unity in maximizing the benefits of the President’s attention on Narok.
“We want, when the President visits, for leaders to put politics aside and allow the President to bring development. The time for politics will come. We have said President Ruto is ten years without a break because we can see the work he is doing here in Narok,” said Ntutu.
However, the growing opposition from local leaders could complicate the airport’s rollout. The project, intended to enhance access to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, is seen by the national government as key to boosting tourism and regional growth. But with concerns over land ownership and equitable benefits, it faces mounting resistance from the very leaders expected to support it.
