Airline cites runway deterioration as reason for service disruption just two years after President Ruto’s commission of upgraded airstrip facilities.
Skyward Express has announced a temporary suspension of its flights to and from Kakamega, citing safety concerns over the deteriorating condition of the airstrip’s runway. The suspension, effective 30th September 2024, is a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, according to a statement released by the airline.
The decision comes less than two years after President William Ruto commissioned the newly rehabilitated runway, taxiway, and apron at Kakamega Airstrip in December 2022. The upgrade had been heralded as a critical improvement in boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. However, the current state of the runway has raised alarms for Skyward Express, leading the airline to halt operations to the airstrip.
In the statement, Skyward Express acknowledged the impact on passengers but emphasized the priority of safety. “We regret to inform you that, effective 30th September 2024, we are temporarily suspending all flight operations to and from Kakamega. This decision is due to the deteriorating condition of the runway at the Kakamega Airstrip, which no longer meets our safety standards,” the airline said.
Skyward Express, one of the leading domestic airlines in Kenya, has assured affected passengers that its customer service team will assist in making alternative travel arrangements. “Our Customer Service team will be reaching out to all passengers with bookings on the affected flights to assist with alternative arrangements,” the statement added.
Despite the temporary suspension, the airline expressed hope for a swift resolution of the runway issues, though no timeline has been provided for the resumption of flights. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and are hopeful that the runway issues will be resolved swiftly. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon,” Skyward Express management stated.
The Kakamega Airstrip, which had been undergoing significant upgrades in recent years, was expected to enhance regional air travel and support the local economy by improving access to Western Kenya. The commissioning of the upgraded facilities in December 2022 was seen as a major step forward in regional development. At the time, President Ruto described the improvements as part of his government’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure across the country.
The suspension of Skyward Express flights has raised questions about the long-term viability of the Kakamega Airstrip, especially given the substantial investments made in its rehabilitation. Local stakeholders and passengers who depend on the airstrip for convenient access to Nairobi and other major cities may face significant disruptions in the coming weeks.
For many passengers, particularly business travelers and tourists, the temporary closure presents challenges in accessing Western Kenya. However, the airline’s proactive stance in addressing safety concerns is likely to mitigate potential backlash. In the interim, travelers will need to rely on alternative means of transportation, such as road travel or flights to nearby airstrips like Kisumu International Airport.
