Millions spent, no flights: Ruto makes fresh promise on Kisii airport
NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 10 – President William Ruto has renewed his promise to transform Suneka Airstrip into a fully operational airport, years after millions of shillings were spent on the…
President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to turning Suneka Airstrip into a fully functional airport, despite millions of shillings being invested in the facility without the desired commercial flights. On Tuesday, Ruto promised to work with Kisii Governor Simba Arati to expand the runway and upgrade the facility to accommodate bigger aircraft during a visit to Bonchari Constituency.
He acknowledged the challenges the project has faced but stated that he had reached an agreement with Arati to overcome them and see the project through. The promise of a new airport comes after years of uncertainty, stalled construction, and shifting government plans. Suneka Airstrip first received significant rehabilitation in 2015, but the larger goal of accommodating commercial passenger and cargo aircraft required additional investment and runway expansion.
In 2020, the national government allocated Sh300 million towards the expansion, but the Kenya Airports Authority's Phase II runway rehabilitation project stalled after the contractor abandoned the site in April 2022. Despite previous plans to decommission the airstrip, Ruto reversed his decision in August 2025, following consultations between him and Gusii leaders.
The revival of the project received a boost in July 2026 when a new contractor took over the stalled project.
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