President William Ruto has announced plans to construct a major airport and an international-standard football stadium in Kisii County, initiatives he stated will help unlock the region’s economic potential.
Ruto revealed the projects on Thursday during the NYOTA capital disbursement event in the Nyanza region, noting that he will personally oversee a development tour in Kisii next month to begin the planned construction works.
“I will be visiting here next month for a development tour. We have agreed that we must transform Kisii. I want to assure you that I will be here to initiate development and start the construction of an airport,” he said.
The President explained that while the government initially sought a new site for the airport, currently at Suneka, challenges in land acquisition led to the decision to renovate the existing facility.
The Head of State revealed that a runway will be adjusted, and Ksh400 million has been allocated for the project, with construction expected to begin next month.
Simultaneously, the existing Gusii Stadium will undergo a significant upgrade with an allocation of Ksh770 million.
However, the original site for expansion faced challenges, prompting the government to use the adjacent ASK showgrounds to enable the development in an effort to achieve the required international standards.
“We have consulted with the ASK management and allocated funds to facilitate their relocation so that the stadium expansion can proceed smoothly. This will be an international stadium as your leaders did petition me for the expansion,” Ruto said.
During the renovation, football matches currently held at the stadium will be moved to alternative venues, as parts of the facility will be demolished to accommodate the expansion.
The airport and stadium projects are part of a major initiative to enhance Kisii’s infrastructure, attract investment, and create employment opportunities in the region, according to the President.
Furthermore, the airport will complement existing facilities such as Kisumu International Airport and the planned Narok Airport, while reducing pressure on smaller airstrips like Kabunde in Homa Bay by improving connectivity for passengers, cargo, and regional travel.
Additionally, Ruto confirmed that his earlier directive for the removal of the Kisii GK prisons from the town center will remain in place, and the government plans to utilize the current space for affordable housing construction.