Ruto Promises New Kisii Airport After Years of Stalled Construction

What happened

During a visit to Bonchari Constituency, Ruto confirmed that his administration would partner with local leadership to transform the current airstrip into a fully operational airport. He stated that the runway would be extended to allow bigger planes to land in the region, thereby reducing the need for residents to travel to neighboring counties for air travel. The President acknowledged that the facility had faced numerous difficulties but expressed confidence that the project would now be completed.

The history of Suneka Airstrip has been marked by significant spending and incomplete work. In 2015, a Sh52 million project improved basic infrastructure, including a passenger lounge, toilets, a car park, and runway markings. Despite these upgrades, the site remained unable to handle commercial passenger or cargo flights due to insufficient runway length. In 2020, the national government provided an additional Sh300 million to expand the facility. However, the Kenya Airports Authority’s contractor abandoned the site in April 2022 after completing only 58 percent of the work, leaving the project stalled.

For a period, it appeared the airstrip would be closed permanently. In August 2023, Ruto announced plans to decommission Suneka, citing insufficient land for the required expansion. This decision disappointed local leaders who had advocated for the upgrade. However, the government shifted its stance in August 2025, when Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the decision to recommission the airstrip following consultations between the President and Gusii leaders. By July 2026, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that a new contractor had taken over the project, with necessary documentation in place to resume construction after the previous contractor encountered challenges.

What it means for travelers

Residents of Kisii will no longer need to rely solely on airports in neighboring counties for air travel. The extension of the runway will enable larger aircraft to land at the facility, potentially increasing connectivity and reducing travel times for those requiring air transport. The completion of the airport aims to boost tourism and business opportunities in the region by providing a dedicated commercial aviation hub.

Key details

• President Ruto pledged to build a new airport in partnership with Governor Simba Arati.
• The runway will be extended to accommodate larger commercial aircraft.
• Suneka Airstrip received Sh52 million in 2015 and Sh300 million in 2020 for expansions.
• Construction stalled in April 2022, with only 58 percent of Phase II works completed.
• The government reversed its 2023 decision to close the airstrip in August 2025.
• A new contractor was appointed in July 2026 to resume construction.