In a disheartening turn of events, the Kakamega Airstrip, which underwent extensive renovations just two years ago at a staggering cost of Ksh. 174 million, has fallen into a state of disrepair, prompting urgent calls from residents for the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to intervene and restore the facility. The airstrip has been a vital lifeline for businesses and travelers in Kakamega County, and its closure due to the deteriorating runway has left many feeling abandoned and frustrated. The recent suspension of flights by budget airline Skyward Express has intensified the outcry, as the airstrip’s condition has been deemed unsafe for operations.
Skyward Express made the announcement of its temporary suspension of flights to and from Kakamega, citing the poor condition of the runway that failed to meet the airline’s safety standards. This decision has had immediate repercussions for residents and businesses alike, who relied heavily on the airstrip for transportation and commerce. The airstrip had become a crucial conduit for trade and connectivity, allowing local entrepreneurs to engage in business activities that extended beyond their immediate region. With the suspension of flights, the economic impact is being felt acutely, forcing many to rethink their business strategies and operations.
The sentiments of local residents echo a collective nostalgia for the time when air travel from Kakamega was efficient and convenient. “Back then, you could see businesses moving swiftly. I had a friend who would tell me he was going to Nairobi to get his work documents, and after 45 minutes, you’d hear him say, ‘Yes, I’ve arrived, and business is continuing,’” reflected Hillary Ambale, a Kakamega resident. This fond memory starkly contrasts with the current challenges they face, as the closure of the airstrip forces lengthy road journeys to the nearest functional airports, significantly affecting productivity and business continuity.
Isaac Mutiso, another trader, expressed the frustrations that many in the area are experiencing: “Now that it’s closed, you have to drive from Kakamega to reach Nairobi, which takes almost ten hours. This makes it difficult and even affects meetings you were supposed to attend.” The impact of the airstrip’s closure extends beyond just inconvenience; it has tangible consequences on the local economy, affecting the ability of businesses to function effectively and meet the demands of their clients.
Residents like Royland Anyika have also voiced their discontent over the situation. “We don’t have work even now. If you tell a customer there’s an airstrip and they want to go there, they say they would, but it’s closed. Now, you have to take them all the way to places like Mumias, and if you look at the money they give you for that, it’s just a loss.” The frustration is palpable, as local traders see their opportunities dwindle and their livelihoods threatened by the inability to access the airstrip. The situation paints a grim picture for a community that once thrived on the connectivity provided by the airstrip.
The renovation of the Kakamega Airstrip had been a much-anticipated development, with high hopes pinned on the improvements to boost economic activity in the region. In December 2022, President William Ruto commissioned the runway, taxiway, and expanded apron following the KAA’s rehabilitation efforts. There were ambitious plans for the airstrip, with the promise of expanded services and the potential to accommodate larger aircraft. These developments were seen as a step toward enhancing the transportation infrastructure in the region, improving accessibility, and ultimately fostering economic growth.
During a development tour in the Western region in 2023, President Ruto reiterated his commitment to expanding the airstrip further, stating the importance of enhancing the region’s connectivity to support local businesses and promote tourism. The optimism surrounding these developments, however, has quickly dissipated in light of the airstrip’s current state. What was once a beacon of hope for residents and entrepreneurs has now turned into a symbol of neglect and disappointment.
The KAA has finally acknowledged the poor condition of the Kakamega Airstrip runway and has announced plans to initiate repair works costing Ksh. 7 million. This commitment comes as a relief to many who have been eagerly awaiting action to restore the airstrip to a functional state. The KAA has also stated that engineers will audit the initial works done on the runway, and further repairs will be carried out in due course. However, the timeline for these repairs remains uncertain, leaving many residents anxious about the future of air travel in Kakamega.
The deteriorating condition of the Kakamega Airstrip is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader issue concerning the maintenance and management of public infrastructure in Kenya. Many facilities, once celebrated for their upgrades, often fall victim to neglect shortly after renovations. This trend raises questions about the quality of work performed during the initial renovations and the accountability of the authorities responsible for maintaining these crucial assets.
Moreover, the airstrip’s situation brings to the forefront the need for effective oversight and management of public funds allocated for infrastructure projects. The Ksh. 174 million invested in the renovation of the Kakamega Airstrip raises concerns about how such substantial sums can lead to a facility’s rapid deterioration. Stakeholders are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and that projects are maintained adequately to serve the community’s needs.
As residents rally for the rehabilitation of the airstrip, their voices echo a larger demand for improved transportation infrastructure throughout the country. The Kakamega Airstrip is not just an airstrip; it represents a lifeline for many businesses and a means of connecting the region to the rest of the country. The frustration felt by the community underscores the urgency of prioritizing infrastructure development and maintenance in order to support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.
In conclusion, the plight of the Kakamega Airstrip serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of investing in and maintaining public infrastructure. The calls for immediate repairs reflect the desperation of residents who once thrived on the opportunities presented by the airstrip. As they await action from the KAA and government authorities, the community remains hopeful that the necessary steps will be taken to restore the airstrip to a safe and functional state, allowing businesses to flourish once more and reconnecting Kakamega to the wider world. The challenges faced by the Kakamega Airstrip are emblematic of broader issues in infrastructure management in Kenya, and it is crucial for the authorities to learn from this situation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
