Skyward Express, a key player in the Kenyan aviation industry, recently made a significant announcement that has sent ripples across the western region of the country. On September 30, 2024, the airline will officially suspended all flights to and from the Kakamega Airstrip, citing deteriorating runway conditions as the primary reason. This temporary suspension has raised concerns, not only among passengers who regularly rely on the service but also among regional leaders who see air transport as a key component of economic growth in Western Kenya.
This decision highlights the critical issue of infrastructure development, maintenance, and safety in Kenya’s aviation sector, a sector that has increasingly been viewed as crucial for economic development, especially in more remote parts of the country. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the suspension, the potential impact on the region, and the responses from local leaders and stakeholders. Additionally, we will explore the broader implications for aviation safety and regional development in Kenya.
Skyward Express’ Announcement: The Safety-First Approach
On September 28, 2024, Skyward Express issued a public notice to its passengers announcing the immediate suspension of its flights to and from Kakamega on 30th September. The notice, citing safety concerns over the deteriorating state of the Kakamega Airstrip’s runway, came as a shock to many. It stated that the runway no longer met the airline’s safety standards, making it impossible to guarantee the safety of passengers and crew.
In the notice, the airline emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew is its top priority. This declaration, while likely to calm passengers’ fears about flying, also underscores the challenges that regional airports face in maintaining their facilities to acceptable safety standards. Skyward Express assured passengers who had already booked flights that they would be assisted with alternative travel arrangements. The airline’s customer service team would reach out to affected passengers to ensure they faced minimal disruption.
The airline also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the suspension, while expressing hope that the runway issues would be addressed swiftly. In its statement, Skyward Express remained optimistic about resuming flights to Kakamega once the airstrip’s runway was repaired and safety standards restored.
Infrastructure Issues at Kakamega Airstrip: A Longstanding Concern
The Kakamega Airstrip has long been a critical infrastructure facility serving the western region of Kenya. However, the condition of the runway has been a matter of concern for some time, according to local reports and users. The airstrip, which plays a vital role in enhancing air travel and tourism in the region, has not been upgraded or maintained consistently, leading to its current deteriorated state.
For airlines like Skyward Express, which prides itself on high safety standards, operating in suboptimal conditions poses a significant risk. Runway degradation can lead to serious safety hazards such as aircraft accidents during takeoff and landing, increased wear and tear on aircraft, and challenges in managing emergency situations.
In light of these risks, Skyward Express had no choice but to temporarily halt operations until the necessary repairs are carried out. However, the suspension of flights has reignited a broader discussion about the state of infrastructure in regional airports across Kenya. If the government and relevant authorities do not prioritize maintenance, the region could face long-term setbacks in its economic development goals.
Impact on Passengers and the Local Economy
The immediate impact of Skyward Express’ decision is most directly felt by passengers. Residents of Kakamega and neighboring counties have increasingly relied on air transport as a faster, more efficient means of reaching Nairobi and other key cities in Kenya. With the suspension of flights, passengers are forced to seek alternative means of transport, such as road travel, which is often time-consuming and less convenient.
Moreover, business owners, particularly in the tourism and hospitality industries, are concerned that the suspension will negatively impact their operations. The Kakamega Rainforest, a major tourist attraction in the region, often draws visitors from across the country who arrive via air travel. With flights to Kakamega no longer available, there is a risk that tourism numbers will decline, reducing revenues for local businesses.
Beyond tourism, air transport is also crucial for businesses that rely on swift movement of goods and personnel. The loss of direct flights to and from Kakamega could slow down economic activities in the region, affecting everything from agricultural exports to logistics services.
Local Leaders React: Promises of Swift Action
In the wake of Skyward Express’ announcement, several political leaders from the Kakamega region have spoken out, promising swift action to address the situation. Senator Bony Khalwale expressed his frustration, calling it a major setback for the region. He lamented that his long-held ambition to transform Kakamega Airport into a fully operational facility with a higher capacity had turned into a pipe dream due to the current state of the airstrip.
On the other hand, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya assured residents that the issue would be resolved within the coming week. He revealed that he had already reached out to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and its top management, who promised to address the runway’s state as a priority. Salasya acknowledged the importance of the airstrip to the local economy and vowed to ensure the repairs are carried out without further delay.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana also voiced his concerns, emphasizing that he would engage Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and the KAA to find a lasting solution. Ikana noted that air transport is crucial for the region, and the suspension of flights could derail ongoing efforts to revive the aviation sector in Western Kenya.
Broader Implications for Regional Aviation
The suspension of flights to Kakamega is not an isolated incident but part of a larger issue affecting regional airports across Kenya. Many of these smaller airports and airstrips, while crucial for connecting remote areas to major cities, suffer from chronic underinvestment and neglect. Inadequate maintenance of runways and other airport facilities poses a serious risk to safety, and unless addressed, could result in more airlines pulling out of regional routes.
Kenya has made significant strides in developing its aviation sector, but much of the focus has been on major international airports like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Regional airports, which play an equally important role in the country’s transportation network, often do not receive the same level of attention or funding.
For regions like Kakamega, the lack of reliable air transport options could slow down economic growth. Western Kenya, which has a wealth of natural resources, agricultural activities, and tourist attractions, stands to benefit greatly from improved air connectivity. However, unless infrastructure challenges are addressed, the region will struggle to reach its full potential.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Path Forward
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), as the entity responsible for managing airports across the country, now faces pressure to address the issues at the Kakamega Airstrip. The situation at Kakamega is a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and upgrades for airport infrastructure. While KAA has shown a willingness to resolve the current issue, the situation highlights the need for a long-term strategy to ensure that regional airports are adequately maintained.
In the past, KAA has launched several initiatives to expand and improve Kenya’s airport infrastructure, but these efforts have largely focused on international gateways. Moving forward, there is a need for a more balanced approach that includes substantial investments in regional facilities like the Kakamega Airstrip. By doing so, KAA can help unlock the economic potential of regions like Western Kenya.
Conclusion
Skyward Express’ suspension of flights to and from Kakamega Airstrip serves as a wake-up call for the aviation industry and the Kenyan government. While the airline has taken a safety-first approach, the situation underscores the need for urgent action to maintain and upgrade regional airports. Without reliable air transport, regions like Kakamega risk being left behind in Kenya’s broader development agenda.
Local leaders have expressed optimism that the runway issues will be resolved quickly, and Skyward Express has reiterated its commitment to resuming flights once it is safe to do so. However, the broader lesson is clear: Kenya must invest in its regional airports if it is to fully harness the economic benefits of air transport across the entire country.
As stakeholders from the government, the private sector, and the aviation industry come together to address the challenges, there is hope that Kakamega Airstrip and other regional airports will soon see the improvements they need to meet the growing demand for safe, efficient air travel.
