Kericho: The National Government is investing Sh192,154,336.61 in the construction of the Kerenga Airstrip in Kericho County, with the project recording a 40 percent physical progress as the government moves to strengthen air transport infrastructure and improve connectivity in the region. The project, being implemented by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), includes the construction and improvement of a 1.2-kilometer runway and associated airfield infrastructure, aimed at providing a modern aviation facility for the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya Airports Authority Engineer Michael Kamunya presented the project progress report during the National Government Development County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee meeting held at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom in Kericho. He assured that the project was progressing gradually despite weather challenges. The engineer identified frequent rainfall as the main challenge affecting the project, noting that it had interrupted the processing of the runway sub-base and apron sub-grade, consequently impacting the overall progress.
Engineer Kamunya assured that despite the weather-related challenges, construction activities are continuing as the contractor works towards achieving the planned milestones within the contractual completion period. He mentioned that works on the runway, taxiways A and B, and apron have reached 50 percent completion, with the contractor currently undertaking sub-base works. He reported that drainage works are 95 percent complete, marking substantial progress in putting in place infrastructure required to manage surface water around the airstrip.
Further, Engineer Kamunya reported that the contractor has been paid Sh46,888,074.02 to date, equivalent to the amount certified for the works completed so far. ‘The contractor undertaking the project is Malsha Enterprise Limited, while the Kenya Airports Authority is the employer responsible for the project,’ he explained.
Construction of the airstrip commenced on 13th December 2025, with the project scheduled for completion on 13th December 2026, giving the contractor a one-year implementation period. The scope of works includes site clearing and topsoil stripping, earthworks, laying of pavement structural layers, laying of asphalt surfacing layers, application of new pavement markings, and construction of perimeter fencing.
The development of the airstrip is expected to strengthen transport infrastructure in Kericho County and support improved movement of passengers and goods, while creating opportunities for wider economic activities that depend on reliable transport connectivity. Following the presentation, Engineer Kamunya accompanied the county commissioner to Kerenga Airstrip to inspect the ongoing construction works and assess the physical progress of the project on the ground.
