Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has assured Kakamega County residents and Skyward Express that the Kakamega Airport runway will be fixed by Monday, September 30, 2024.
Speaking in a video shared via his official Instagram account on Saturday, September 28, Salasya said that he had reached out to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director and the top management, including the Board of Directors chairman Caleb Kositany.
The youthful lawmaker argued that the Kakamega Airstrip has been really helpful to the residents of the county, and suspending the flights to the region would affect them.
Kakamega Airstrip renovations
Salasya stated that the KAA MD had assured him that renovations on the airstrip’s runway would commence on Monday, September 30, to address the concerns raised by Skyward Express, who have announced suspension of lights to Kakamega.
According to Salasya, the KAA MD gave the assurance after he threatened to personally go and demonstrate at his office.
He further pointed out that depending on the Kisumu International Airport was too expensive for the residents of Kakamega.
“Najua kuna circulation ya kwamba Skyward was to suspend the operations at Kakamega Airstrip starting on Monday, September 30. I want to tell them that I have called the MD of KAA and even the board led by the former Soy MP Caleb Kositany, who is the chair.
“When I come to Kakamega, I always sit with the pilots in the cockpit, and they always complain that landing at Kakamega Airstrip is so difficult because there are potholes everywhere.
“I have warned the MD that if that airstrip is not done by Monday, I will now be the one to go and demonstrate in their office, and it will not be good. So he has assured me that he will be bringing the people to the site on Monday to come and make sure that a thorough renovation is done.
“Because Kakamega Airstrip is really helping us, this car of mine here, just to Kisumu and back, is Ksh10,000 (fuel consumption), you can imagine. It is expensive, but now with KAA, just Ksh10,000, I am at Kakamega, and in 15 minutes I am in my constituency,” Salasya said.
Flight suspension
The suspension of flights is set to take effect on September 30, 2024.
The airline cited safety concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Kakamega Airstrip’s runway.
“We regret to inform you that, effective 30th September 2024, Skyward Express will temporarily suspend all flight operations to and from Kakamega,” the notice stated.
“This decision has been made due to the deteriorating condition of the runway at Kakamega Airstrip, which no longer meets our required safety standards.”
The airline stressed that ensuring passenger safety is its main priority and expressed regret for the disruption caused.
Skyward Express also assured its customers that its customer support team would contact those affected by the cancellations to assist with alternative travel plans.
“Our Customer Service team will be in touch with all passengers booked on the impacted flights to help arrange alternative travel options.”
Though the airline did not specify when flights would resume, it expressed optimism that the repairs would be completed soon.
“We deeply apologise for the inconvenience caused and remain hopeful that the runway issues will be resolved quickly. We look forward to having you on board again soon.”
Skyward Express has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from Kakamega, effective 30th September 2024, due to safety concerns over the deteriorating runway at Kakamega Airstrip. The Safety of our Passengers and Crew is paramount. pic.twitter.com/ljeNlVPNj9
— Fly Skyward Express (@SkywardExpress) September 28, 2024
This comes despite the airstrip having undergone significant upgrades overseen by President William Ruto.
The Head of State recently launched the airstrip after it underwent renovations that included an extended runway, improved terminal facilities, and enhanced safety measures.
The upgrade was expected to accommodate larger aircraft and increase the number of flights to and from the region.
