‘Bring Adani Back!’ – MP Kaluma Tells Ruto
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has urged President William Ruto to seek private investors to enlarge Kabunde Airstrip’s runway, citing inadequate government resources as a barrier to finance.
In a post on X on Friday, November 29, 2024, Kaluma emphasized the risks posed by the airstrip’s current infrastructure, which he described as unsuitable for modern aviation needs.
“Our economy is constrained and it is now clear the government lacks funds for the long-awaited extension of the runway of Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay,” Kaluma wrote.
The MP expressed concern that airlines have been withdrawing from the airfield, citing the risks connected with its small runway.
This, according to Kaluma, has hampered access to an important and very profitable route, potentially impeding economic growth in Homa Bay and nearby areas.
Our economy is constrained and it is now clear the government lacks funds for the long awaited extension of the runway of Kabunde Airstrip in Homa Bay.
— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) November 29, 2024
Airlines are forced to withdraw operations to and from Homa Bay due to the landing and take-off risks attendant to the short…
“Airlines are forced to withdraw operations to and from Homa Bay due to the landing and take-off risks attendant to the short runway, despite this being a very central and highly lucrative route,” Kaluma noted.
The Homa Bay Town MP recommended a radical solution: engage the controversial Indian company Adani Group in a public-private partnership (PPP) to develop Kabunde Airstrip into a fully operational airport.
“Please bring in ADANI to extend the runway and to build the Airstrip into an Airport under a public-private partnership arrangement,” Kaluma urged the government.
The Kabunde airfield, located just outside Homa Bay Town, has long been regarded as a potential economic generator in the region.
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Commercial aviation service began at Kabunde Airport on June 12, 2023, with an initial flight by Renegade Aviation.
The event, supervised by then-Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, was filled with pomp and ceremony.
Murkomen announced plans to enlarge the runway at the airport during the beginning of commercial services.
“I have instructed the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to immediately implement the plan to extend the runway at the airstrip to accommodate larger aircraft in our effort to promote local transport, even as we move to open up many parts of the country to ease connectivity,” he said at the time.
‘Bring Adani Back!’ – MP Kaluma Tells Ruto
