The renovated 1.3-kilometre runway at Kabunde Airstrip has officially been opened, marking a major step forward in improving air connectivity for Homa Bay and neighboring counties.
Speaking during the launch, Patrick Oketch, the In-charge of Sales and Marketing at Renegade Air, called on residents to support the airline’s operations to enable an increase in flight frequencies.
Oketch announced that the airline will initially operate a Dash 8-100 aircraft with a capacity of 37 passengers between Kabunde and Wilson Airport three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, for the first two weeks.
The aircraft is scheduled to depart Wilson Airport at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at Kabunde at 2:15 p.m., before departing Kabunde at 2:45 p.m. and arriving back in Nairobi at 3:30 p.m.
A Thursday flight will be introduced after the initial two weeks.
“We can now operate at full passenger capacity following the extension and elevation of the runway,” added Oketch.
Danish Onyango, the County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Transport and Infrastructure, welcomed the return of Renegade Air, noting that the airline had stepped in previously when no other operator was willing to serve the airstrip.
“We are happy to receive them back after months of renovation,” he said.
Onyango said the runway has been extended from 1.1 kilometres to 1.3 kilometres, an additional 100 metres on either side, significantly improving safety and capacity.
He commended Kenya Airports Authority for the quality of work carried out in the rehabilitation of the runway.
He revealed that more developments are underway, including the construction of a terminal building with a capacity to handle up to 250,000 passengers annually, as well as an apron and taxiway.
The county government worked with national government agencies to deliver the project, which is expected to ease travel for residents who previously had to rely on airports in Kisumu or Migori.
Onyango urged residents to take advantage of the revived airstrip. “Our airline is back and functional. Let us fully utilize Kabunde Airstrip,” he said.
The upgraded facility is also expected to boost tourism, particularly due to its proximity to Ruma National Park, a key wildlife destination in the region.
Charles Osimbi from Renegade Air’s freight operations department welcomed the reopening, and thanked the county government and its partners for the improvements.
He assured that the airline will maintain consistent operations and is ready to deploy larger aircraft if demand increases.
Kabunde Airstrip is expected to serve not only Homa Bay County but also neighboring regions including Kisii and Nyamira, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth.
By Sitna Omar
