Homa Bay readies for Madaraka Day with airstrip overhaul

Homa Bay County is set to benefit from the ongoing refurbishment of Kabunde Airstrip ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1.

This year’s national celebration will be hosted in Homa Bay under the theme ‘Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.’ According to the Ministry of Interior, preparations are in full swing.

In a statement, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the government, through the State Department for Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), is overseeing the upgrades at Kabunde airstrip, which include refurbishment of the passenger terminal and construction of a new apron and taxiways.

“The repair of fencing at both ends of the runway has been completed, while the extension of the runway is 70 percent complete,” said Omollo.

He noted that under the rotational model of hosting national celebrations, Homa Bay County will gain from a range of other development projects.

“The government is implementing accelerated projects in Homa Bay as part of the bonus development package for host counties. This approach ensures each host enjoys long-term socio-economic benefits beyond the celebrations,” he said.

Among the key projects is the facelift of Raila Odinga Stadium, the host venue for this year’s Madaraka Day.

The 1.2-kilometer Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road and the 2-kilometer access road to the County Government Headquarters in Arujo are also being upgraded. In total, some 35 kilometres of roads are under construction or rehabilitation to support the fete.

KeRRA has also prioritised grading works on the Wahambla–Imbo and Lala roads.

Last year’s Madaraka Day was hosted at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.