Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has suggested renaming the Matulo Airstrip in the county in honor of President William Ruto.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day Celebrations, the governor said renaming the airstrip would be in order considering the government’s plans to expand it.
Currently situated in Webuye, Bungoma County, the Matulo Airstrip can accommodate a 35-seater plane, but the county government aspires to upgrade it to an international airport in the future.
“Our airstrip at Matulo can now safely land a 35-seater plan but it is our wish and focus that in the future it be upgraded to an international airport,” Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said.
At that point, they plan to propose naming it after President Ruto.
Lusaka on Matulo Airstrip
“On behalf of the people of Bungoma County, I want to propose it to be named after President William Ruto,” he said.
At the same time, President William Ruto asked Bungoma County Government to buy land at Matulo Airstrip as part of a partnership where the National Government will construct a new terminal.
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“I have agreed with the governor that he will buy land and that I will build more runway and a terminal. There will be no need to go to Kisumu and Eldoret,” Ruto stated.
In his speech, the President said Bungoma residents will no longer have to travel to Kisumu or Eldoret to catch flights as the new airport will serve the county and its environs.
President Ruto has been actively participating in various events in Bungoma County, including an Interdenominational Church Service in August 2023.
Construction of the Airstrip
In April 2024, Ministry of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had confirmed that the Matulo airstrip in Webuye, Bungoma, will be completed in May ahead of the Madaraka celebrations.
Back in April this year, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had also revealed the government’s ambitious plans to set up this airstrip in Bungoma.
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Speaking in Bungoma County, the Transport Cabinet Secretary informed locals that the Kenya Kwanza administration was keen to set up the airport in the region.
“To further enhance the movement of people and goods, the Government is upgrading the Matulo Airstrip to an airport. The runway will be extended to 1.2km of tarmac and a terminal building put up,” transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.
President Ruto has been actively participating in various events in Bungoma County, including an Interdenominational Church Service in August 2023.
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