Work Commences on Suneka Airstrip Runway and Terminal Upgrade

President William Ruto concluded a four-day working tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on Wednesday by officially commissioning the upgrade of Suneka Airstrip. The project, located in Bonchari Constituency, involves extending the existing runway and constructing a new passenger terminal building.

The expansion aims to elevate the facility to standards capable of supporting commercial air travel, which would eliminate the need for the residents to travel to Kisumu or Homa Bay for flights. Government reports indicate an initial allocation of KSh 400 million has been earmarked for these works, with an expected completion timeline of eight months.

Addressing residents during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Ruto noted that the administration understood the magnitude of the national transformation task. He stated that genuine change requires a bold vision and decisive action rather than modest goals. The President emphasized that by December this year, residents should be able to board flights directly from Kisii to Nairobi and beyond.

The decision to upgrade the current site follows previous deliberations regarding a potential relocation to Nyatieko. Choosing to modernize Suneka was deemed a pragmatic approach to avoid the high costs and legal complexities associated with land acquisition in a densely populated region.

The Kenya Airports Authority will oversee the technical aspects of the project. While the local topography and surrounding hills present certain constraints, the extension will allow the airstrip to accommodate medium-sized aircraft. This development is part of a broader infrastructure plan that has seen the government launch road, market, and electrification projects across the Gusii region this week.

Beyond aviation, the President highlighted ongoing investments in health, education, and agriculture. He reaffirmed that the government is focused on translating promises into tangible results across every sector of the economy. The tour also saw the announcement of a KSh 300 million investment to enhance electricity connectivity for an additional 20,000 homes in the area.

Local leaders have welcomed the upgrade, noting that a functional airport at Suneka will significantly reduce travel times and stimulate trade. The facility has historically operated with limited capacity, but the new terminal and safety systems are expected to open the region to more consistent investment opportunities.