Kabunde Airstrip Terminal Construction Advances in Homa Bay as Runway Upgrade Supports New Flights

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo shared an update on developments at Kabunde Airstrip. The facility in Homa Bay County is undergoing a major upgrade.

The Kenya Airports Authority leads the construction of a new passenger terminal. This work aims to elevate the site from a basic airstrip to a proper Class C regional aviation hub.

The planned terminal will house check-in areas, security screening zones, baggage handling facilities and administrative offices. These elements form the core of improved passenger services.

Complementary infrastructure accompanies the main building. This includes an aircraft parking apron, additional taxiways and storm-water drainage systems.

Ongoing works /Handout

Perimeter fencing, access roads and vehicle parking bays are also part of the package. They will support smooth operations once the full facility comes online.

The runway expansion reached completion in April 2026. Length increased from 1.1 kilometres to 1.3 kilometres during that phase.

This change allows aircraft such as the Dash 8-100 to operate without previous restrictions. Full capacity use is now possible on the upgraded strip.

Flight operations have resumed successfully. Scheduled services now connect Homa Bay directly with Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Karibu Kabunde /Handout

Terminal construction continues in parallel with these active flights. The arrangement ensures no disruption to current passenger movements.

Security arrangements receive close attention during this period. The State Department for Internal Security coordinates frameworks around the entire airstrip.

Personnel deployment and strengthened surveillance at entry and exit points form key elements. They protect passengers, staff and the developing infrastructure.

Kabunde Airstrip previously offered only limited basic services. The current investments mark a clear shift toward modern regional aviation standards.

Such upgrades align with broader goals of deepening devolution benefits. Better connectivity brings essential services closer to residents in Homa Bay and surrounding areas.

The project reflects ongoing national efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure outside major hubs. Regional facilities like this one play an important role in that strategy.

Engineers maintain progress on multiple fronts simultaneously. Airside improvements pair with landside developments for a coordinated outcome.

Residents in the lake region stand to gain from enhanced travel options. The link to Nairobi supports business, medical and administrative travel needs.

Officials monitor the works closely to keep timelines on track. Coordination between the Kenya Airports Authority and security agencies remains tight.

The terminal building represents a visible symbol of change at the site. Its rising structure signals tangible advancement for local aviation.

Further details on completion timelines were not specified in the latest briefing. Focus stays on quality delivery alongside operational continuity.

This development at Kabunde forms part of wider patterns seen in other counties. Several regional airstrips have seen similar modernisation drives in recent years.

The combination of runway readiness and terminal progress creates immediate and future value. Flights operate today while construction prepares for expanded capacity tomorrow.

Local stakeholders watch these changes with interest. Improved infrastructure often correlates with economic activity around transport nodes.

Dr Omollo's statement emphasised the investment in connectivity. It positions Kabunde as a functional hub serving Homa Bay County effectively.

Security remains integral to the transition process. Measures in place aim to safeguard all aspects as the airstrip evolves.

The project demonstrates practical steps toward better regional access. Its success could inform approaches at similar facilities elsewhere.