Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, October 12 revealed that the Karenga Airstrip in Kericho County will be ready for use in the next 10 days.
Addressing the media at the site, CS Murkomen expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the construction of the Airstrip, which is being undertaken by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) with the support of the Kenya Defence Forces.
“I am excited to note that the test landing and take-off was successful and our First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto became the first person to land and take off from the airstrip yesterday,” Murkomen stated.
“I am also happy that the first phase of the construction work will be completed before Mashujaa Day with plans underway to embark on phase two of the project which will entail the paving and expansion of the runway from the current 1.2kms to 2kms,” the CS added.
Murkomen further noted that the talks were ongoing between the Government and Ekaterra Tea Company to fast-track the process of land acquisition and allow the issuance of operation licenses, expansion of works, and the construction of a modern terminal building.
“We are also working hard to complete the construction of 12 other airstrips across the country to facilitate faster movement of people and goods, promote tourism, enhance access to emergency medical services, and enable the growth of local economies,” stated the CS.
A new airstrip will also raise the stakes of Kericho County especially after Eldoret was earmarked to become a city.
