Ruto Announces Construction of Multi-Million Airport, Set To Start on Wednesday
President William Ruto has announced new dates for the construction of the multimillion-shilling Kisii Airport.
While speaking during a 3-day development tour in Kitutu Chache, Kisii County, on April 13, he stated that the Suneka Airport will be built starting April 15, and he will personally do the groundbreaking.
“The day after tomorrow I will come here personally to do a groundbreaking of the Suneka Airport, which has been stalled for many years,” stated President Ruto.
President Ruto further confirmed that the airport would take 8 months to complete, stressing that his government has secured the funds to kickstart the project, which had been an obstacle beforehand.
“At the time we did not have the money for the project,” added President Ruto.
“Right now we have the money to kickstart the project, so that the people of Kisii can have an easy time traversing to different parts of the country and the world.”
The planned Kisii Airport is an upgrade of the existing Suneka Airstrip, enabling commercial air travel and improving connectivity to boost economic growth in the Nyanza region.
The project scope includes runway expansion and modernisation of facilities, bringing the airstrip up to full airport standards for commercial aviation operations.
During a previous tour in Gusii land, the President explained that while the government initially sought a new site for the airport, which is currently at Suneka, challenges in acquiring land led to the decision to renovate the existing facility.
Additionally, during the same development tour, the Head of State revealed that a runway will be adjusted and that Ksh400 million has been allocated for the project.
The airport will add to the region’s aviation network, complementing facilities such as Kisumu International Airport and the planned Narok Airport.
It will also ease pressure on smaller airstrips like Kabunde in Homa Bay by improving connectivity for passengers, cargo, and regional travel.
An upgrade of Suneka airport has been long overdue, as it dates back to Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure as president.
ALSO READ:
- “Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
- Ruto CSs Make Flurry Of Appointments As Attorney General Picks Governor Kilonzo
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
At the time, a memorandum was presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta by the then Kisii Governor James Ongwae, with the intention to modernise the airstrip to allow for commercial flights.
Additionally, a number of aviation companies had approached the Kisii County Government seeking management rights to run the airstrip after a feasibility study conducted by the national government.
Earlier during his tour, President Ruto announced that Gusii land, in particular Nyamira, will have its own SGR station at Ikonge.
The project that will cost the taxpayer Ksh300 million and will serve as a centre for Nyamira residents looking to use the SGR with convenience.
The new airport, according to President William Ruto, adds to his growing list of infrastructure projects aimed to fuel his Singapore dream ambitions of moving Kenya from third class to first class.
Ruto Announces Construction of Multi-Million Airport, Set To Start on Wednesday
