Interior Permanent Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo has announced that Matulo airstrip in Webuye, Bungoma County, will be fully operational by May in preparation for the upcoming Madaraka day celebrations
This year’s Madaraka day National Celebrations are scheduled to take place at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County, with President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua expected to attend.
Speaking during a visit to Matulo airstrip accompanied by PS Transport Mohammed Daghar and acting Managing Director (MD) of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Henry Ogoye, PS Omollo highlighted the significance of the airstrip’s completion, especially considering Bungoma’s lack of a functional airstrip.
“Bungoma does not have a functional airstrip. There was an airstrip in Kanduyi, but it is also not operational. Matulo airstrip was functional for some time, but it is now in a state of disrepair,” stated PS Omollo.
He emphasized that the government is committed to revitalizing the airstrip to serve not only the Madaraka Day celebrations but also to facilitate commercial activities in the Western region.
Originally occupying 70 acres of land, Matulo airstrip has faced encroachment issues, prompting discussions between the government, the public, and the county government to reclaim the entire area for the airstrip’s expansion.
PS Omollo outlined plans to address the encroachment while simultaneously working on upgrading the runway surface and constructing a terminal to accommodate aircraft.
Meanwhile, works are also underway at Masinde Muliro Stadium and the County Commissioner’s residence in preparation for 1st June .
PS Mohammed Daghar emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing air transport accessibility across various regions, particularly in North Eastern, Nyanza, and Western Kenya.
“We are mainly focusing on opening up airstrips to facilitate medical evacuations, horticultural exports, and general movement of trade and people,” noted PS Daghar.
The KAA has already initiated the scope for the Matulo airstrip project, aiming to rehabilitate the runway, taxiway, and establish essential facilities such as a windsock and control tower to accommodate at least three aircraft.
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