Budget airline Skyward Express has suspended its flights to and from Kakamega, citing the deteriorating condition of the local airstrip’s runway. The decision, made in the interest of safety, comes less than two years after the airline launched the route, aimed at serving travelers from the larger western region of Kenya. The move highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining regional air infrastructure and raises concerns about the future of connectivity in the area. Skyward Express had opened this route in December 2022, with the goal of providing a convenient flight base for travelers in western Kenya, a region historically underserved by air transport.
In a notice to its clients posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 28, the airline stated that the Kakamega Airstrip runway had deteriorated to a level that no longer met their safety standards. The safety of passengers and crew was cited as the primary concern behind the decision. Skyward Express assured its customers that their safety was of utmost importance and expressed hope that the runway issues would be addressed promptly, allowing the airline to resume services. The customer service team at Skyward Express is currently reaching out to affected passengers with bookings on the route to assist with alternative travel arrangements. The airline also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the suspension, emphasizing that the move was a temporary measure taken to protect the well-being of all stakeholders.
The suspension of flights has significant implications for travelers in western Kenya, who have come to rely on the Nairobi-Kakamega route for fast and efficient travel. Since its introduction, the route has become a popular choice for residents seeking an alternative to the long road journey between Nairobi and Kakamega. The flight, which costs approximately Ksh 6,000, has been particularly beneficial for business travelers, government officials, and tourists visiting the region. The Kakamega Airstrip, which serves as a gateway to the western part of the country, has played a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, reducing travel times, and stimulating economic activity. The suspension of flights, therefore, represents a setback for the region’s efforts to improve its accessibility and attract investment.
The deteriorating condition of the Kakamega Airstrip runway points to broader issues related to the maintenance and development of regional airstrips in Kenya. The government has previously earmarked funds for the upgrade and rehabilitation of airstrips across the country, with the goal of enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth. However, the current state of the Kakamega Airstrip suggests that more needs to be done to ensure that these facilities are maintained to acceptable safety standards. The suspension of flights by Skyward Express serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the growth of regional air travel. The airline, which operates from its hub at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, also serves other destinations including Kitale, Mombasa, Lamu, Eldoret, Diani, Lodwar, and Malindi. The suspension of the Kakamega route means that travelers from western Kenya will have to explore alternative options, such as flying from Eldoret or Kitale, which may not be as convenient.
The challenges facing Skyward Express are not limited to infrastructure issues. The airline has also faced scrutiny over its safety standards in the past. In October 2023, Parliament opened an inquiry into the operations of Skyward Express after Loima MP Protus Akuja tabled a petition alleging that the airline’s safety standards were questionable. The petition highlighted incidents such as aircraft tires failing to deploy during landing, unusual noises mid-flight, and smoke emanating from the wings. Mr. Akuja called on the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee to investigate the airline and ensure that it adhered to mandatory safety protocols. He also raised concerns about the role of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) in overseeing the maintenance of aircraft, suggesting that the regulatory body had not been effective in addressing the issues. The parliamentary inquiry into Skyward Express’ operations underscores the challenges facing the aviation industry in Kenya, particularly with regard to safety oversight and regulatory compliance.
The suspension of flights to Kakamega also brings into focus the ongoing dispute over the expansion of the Kakamega Airstrip. President William Ruto had previously announced plans to elevate the airstrip to airport status, a move that was expected to enhance the region’s connectivity and support economic growth. However, the expansion plans have been marred by a compensation row between the County Government of Kakamega and the national government. While the national government has promised to compensate locals affected by the expansion, disagreements between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senator Boni Khalwale have slowed progress. Governor Barasa has accused Senator Khalwale of buying land adjacent to the airstrip in anticipation of benefiting from compensation, an allegation that the senator has denied. Dr. Khalwale, on his part, has claimed that his efforts to create awareness and sensitize residents about the planned expansion have been misconstrued. He has vowed to ensure that locals receive fair compensation for their land, blaming the delays on political interference.
The dispute over the Kakamega Airstrip is further complicated by the proposed upgrading of the Matulo Airstrip in Bungoma County to an international airport. Kakamega leaders have argued that the focus on Matulo is undermining efforts to develop the Kakamega Airstrip, which was once the administrative headquarters of the former Western Province. Dr. Khalwale has claimed that the upgrading of the Webuye Airstrip in Bungoma is part of a plan to “kill” the existing airstrip in Kakamega, suggesting that political influence is at play. He has accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, a prominent leader from Bungoma, of using his influence to shift development priorities away from Kakamega. The rivalry between Kakamega and Bungoma over airstrip development highlights the challenges of regional politics and the impact of political maneuvering on infrastructure projects. The debate over which airstrip should be prioritized reflects broader issues related to resource allocation and regional development in Kenya.
The suspension of Skyward Express flights to Kakamega underscores the need for a coordinated approach to infrastructure development, particularly in the aviation sector. The lack of proper maintenance at the Kakamega Airstrip not only affects the operations of airlines like Skyward Express but also has wider implications for the region’s economic prospects. Improved air connectivity is essential for attracting investment, promoting tourism, and supporting local businesses. The government, both at the national and county levels, must work together to resolve the issues surrounding the Kakamega Airstrip and ensure that it is upgraded to meet safety standards. The compensation dispute must also be addressed to pave the way for the planned expansion, which has the potential to transform the region’s economy.
In the meantime, travelers from western Kenya will have to explore alternative travel options, such as using the Eldoret or Kitale airstrips or traveling by road to Nairobi. The suspension of flights is a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure to support regional connectivity and ensure that all parts of the country have access to efficient and reliable air travel. For Skyward Express, the hope is that the runway issues will be resolved quickly, allowing the airline to resume operations and continue serving the people of Kakamega and the larger western region. As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on the relevant authorities to take swift action to address the challenges facing the Kakamega Airstrip and ensure that it is safe for use by airlines and passengers alike.
Skyward Express’ decision to suspend flights to Kakamega serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in the development and maintenance of regional air infrastructure. The need for proper investment, effective regulation, and coordinated planning cannot be overstated. The aviation sector plays a critical role in connecting different parts of the country, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. It is essential that the challenges facing the sector are addressed to ensure that Kenya’s air transport system is safe, reliable, and capable of meeting the needs of its people.
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