The Kenya Airports Authority has commenced a two-day tour of airstrips that are currently under renovation as the country continues with its quest for enhanced aviation safety.
This inspection tour kicked off on Monday, January 19, at the Kerenga Airstrip in Kericho County, which is undergoing a major renovation. This visit was aimed at inspecting the progress made at the different airports to see whether the work meets the standards.
At Kerenga, upgrading of the airstrip’s runway from gravel to bituminous will take place by the Authority. This project was competitively tendered and was put out in 2025. Some of its features include elongation of the airstrip from one kilometre to 1.2 kilometres, expansion of its size to 23 metres, and building of an apron and two taxiways. Additionally, perimeter fencing will be put in place to enhance security.
KAA asserted that the upgrades will promote improved safety, efficiencies, and overall delivery of services at the airstrip, as well as allow the region to welcome more planes through its airspace.
They moved to Itembe Airstrip in Bomet County, which was described by KAA as one of the important facilities for restoring access to the South Rift region. The airstrip is located in Kericho.
Itembe Airstrip was last refurbished in 1990 and has been running at below capacity ever since, and KAA initiated a series of refurbishments to make it meet international standards for flying.
Phase One of the Itembe project is still in progress; it covers the construction of a 1,000-meter by 18-meter asphalt runway, taxiways, apron, drainage facilities, windsock, and perimeter fencing. The construction is expected to be finished after 15 months, as indicated by KAA.
Upon completion, the first phase should ensure a much safer and more reliable readiness of the airstrip.
Phase Two will cover the continued extension of the facility, such as the establishment of the 1,200-meter by 23-meter runway. When completed, Itembe Airstrip is set to provide the community with evacuation, general aviation, tourism, and agriculture.
The inspection tour is being led by KAA Board Chairman Caleb Kositany, Director Eng. Walter Ogola, and Acting Managing Director Dr. Mohamud Gedi. The delegation comprises board members, with the aim of appraising the progress that has been made in all key aviation infrastructure development projects. This project involves upgrading the facilities at Kerenga and Itembe, and it follows closely on the heels of the rehabilitation of Kakamega Airstrip, whose project began on December 1, 2025. This project aims at upgrading the runway, taxiways, and apron at Kakamega Airstrip.
