Ruto reveals big plans for Matulo Airstrip in Bungoma

The government has announced plans to elevate Matulo Airstrip in Bungoma county to an international Airport to open up the Western region circuit and connect it to the outside world.

President William Ruto while presiding over the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma town announced his plans to upgrade the newly constructed Airstrip.

He tasked the county government of Bungoma to engage residents around the Airstrip in plans to relocate and pave the way for expansion.

The airstrip had originally been allocated more than 70 acres of land, but a small part of it has been encroached on by the public.

“I ask the governor of Bungoma to engage the residents with a view of acquiring enough land for the airstrip to have adequate space for it to be upgraded to international standards so that it can be economically viable,” said Dr Ruto.

He said the national government will provide funds for expansion of the runway and improve the Airstrip terminal.

Construction of the Airstrip was done as part of the preparations for the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations.

The President used the Airstrip for landed when he arrived in Bungoma for his four-day stay on May 30.

Dr Ruto said his administration was determined to open-up the country to air transport.

“There is no need of people from Bungoma to move to Kisumu or Eldoret for a flight unless they have a date in those areas,” he added.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka had asked the President to upgrade the Airstrip to international standards promising to name it after the Dr Ruto.

“We desire that Matulo Airstrip is expanded and upgraded to international standards. If you help us with this request, we will name it after you,” he said.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who inspected the construction works at the Airstrip on Friday to assess its suitability and utility, ahead of Madaraka Day Celebrations,

detailed the government plans to expand the airstrip once more land was acquired.

According to the CS, the airstrip is expected to have high traffic as it will be serving the counties in the Western region and potentially Uganda given the proximity.

The Airstrip was initially located near the town centre.

Mr Murkomen said the relocation that done to the tune of Sh139 million was strategic.

Matulo Airstrip runway is 1.1 kilometres and the government is in the process of constructing various buildings to serve as customer service areas and offices.

“We are working to get more land so that we can expand the runway to 2.5 kilometres and get traffic flying directly to the airstrip. We removed it from the town and have taken it to Webuye so that it can be expanded enough and serve the counties in this region and Uganda,” he explained.

Mr Murkomen indicated that his Ministry would be partnering with the county government in actualising the expansion plans.

“Acquiring more land is a priority as directed by the President and we shall work with the County Government and the rest of the leadership to make it a reality,” the CS stated.

Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli asked the two levels of governments to handle the Airstrip expansion process cautiosly to ensure fairness to land owners.

He said concerns of the residents who will be affected by the expansion must be listened to.

“We shall call for valuation of residents houses, trees, crops and other properties falling within 700 metres by 500 metres distance from the facility. Those who will be willing to move out on their own volition must also be compensated diligently,” he said.

He also assured land and property owners who will be affected that compensation for the deserving cases will be fair.

smakokha@ke.nationmedia.com

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.