Education CS Ogamba confirms govt to revive Suneka airstrip

The government has confirmed plans to restart work on the stalled Suneka Airstrip in Kisii South Sub-County, following renewed discussions between President William Ruto and Gusii region leaders.

Speaking on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who toured the facility on Friday, said the President had directed leaders from the region to assess the state of the project and pave the way for its revival.

You might also like

News

Ruto treats Nyamache KMTC students to lunch worth Ksh500K

Entertainment

Van Quiz: Curtains fall as late Urban Gusii singer is laid to rest

Entertainment

Fans line up across Kisii as Van Quiz’s body is escorted home ahead of burial

“The airstrip was shut down, but the President has now instructed us to recommission it so that it can resume operations for the people of Kisii,” Ogamba said.

He added that the directive follows a recent meeting at State House where Gusii leaders agreed with the President to restart a number of development projects that had stalled.

Past efforts and setbacks

The Suneka Airstrip was last rehabilitated in 2015 at a cost of Ksh52 million, which saw the construction of a 200-passenger lounge, a car park, toilets, a perimeter fence, and runway markings.

In 2020, the state set aside an additional Ksh300 million for expansion to handle both passenger and cargo traffic.

Despite this investment, the project was decommissioned in August 2023 after President Ruto noted that the land available was too limited for the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to undertake further expansion.

Ogamba emphasised that the facility’s revival would be a game changer for Southern Nyanza by spurring trade and attracting tourism, given its close proximity to the Maasai Mara and Ruma National Parks.

Linked regional projects

Alongside the airstrip, Ogamba revealed that the Kisii ASK Showground will be relocated to create space for a modern stadium.

The new facility is expected to support students taking Arts and Sports Science under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

The CS also announced plans to move Kisii Main Prison to Nyanturago. The current 15-acre site will be converted into affordable housing, while the new prison will occupy between 50 and 100 acres, complete with modern infrastructure and social amenities.

Ogamba appealed to leaders in the region to rise above political divisions and rally behind government initiatives. Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who accompanied him, welcomed the plans, saying they would significantly transform the county’s economic and social landscape.