Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka has proposed renaming the Matulo airstrip to William Ruto upon the completion of the ongoing renovations and upgrade.
Lusaka made the suggestion during the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro University in Bungoma County.
The previously abandoned airstrip was one of the county’s infrastructures that received a facelift ahead of the celebrations.
“We are grateful for the construction of the Matulo airstrip and hope it will eventually be upgraded into an international airport. When that happens, we wish to name it after you, President William Ruto,” said Lusaka.
Governor Kenneth Lusaka: It is our wish that in the future, our airstrip at Matulo will be upgraded to an international airport. When it reaches that level, we want to propose, on behalf of the people of Bungoma, that it be named after President William Ruto.#MadarakaDay… pic.twitter.com/kzwMOUnnIv — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) June 1, 2024
Ruto, in response, noted that the main challenge in developing the airstrip is the lack of sufficient land.
However, efforts to build runways and terminals are underway as the county seeks to acquire more land.
“The problem with Matulo airstrip is land. We have agreed with Governor Lusaka that he will purchase the necessary land. Together with the National Government, we will build runways and terminals so planes can easily land and take off,” said Ruto.
Other infrastructural developments in Bungoma include the revamping of the 15,000-capacity Masinde Muliro Stadium and the improvement of main roads in Bungoma town, projects which are still underway.