The proposed construction of an airstrip at Londiani Forest Station in Kipkelion East Constituency is set to strengthen forest protection while opening new opportunities for tourism, investment and emergency response in the region.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) held a public participation forum at the Kenya Forestry College to engage residents and other stakeholders on the proposed project before construction begins.
The meeting brought together Kipkelion East MP Hon. Joseph Cherorot, Londiani Deputy County Commissioner Mohammed Ephraim Hassan, Kenya Forestry College Principal Francis Musyimi, County Forest Conservator James Kwambai, foresters, local leaders and members of the surrounding communities.
The proposed airstrip will occupy approximately 30 acres at Mount Blanket Block within Londiani Forest Station. The site is strategically positioned to provide access to 22 forest blocks within the Mau Forest Complex under the Mau Conservancy.
Speaking during the forum, Mr Kwambai said the airstrip would significantly improve the Service’s ability to monitor and protect forests, particularly in responding to wildfires and other emergencies.
He said the facility would also strengthen coordination among agencies including KFS, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers, NEMA, KCAA and the County Government.
“This project will have a major impact on the people because it will improve forest management and response to emergencies,” said Kwambai, urging residents to support the initiative.
The project, whose estimated cost is Sh306 million, is expected to enhance accessibility to the forest and promote ecotourism and investment, while creating opportunities for the local community once operational.
Londiani Deputy County Commissioner Mohammed Ephraim Hassan said public participation was important in ensuring residents had an opportunity to understand the project and give their views before implementation.
He urged residents to maintain peace and work together with the government, noting that development projects can only succeed in an environment where communities and leaders cooperate.
Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot said the airstrip was part of a wider wave of development projects being undertaken in the constituency, citing ongoing construction of ICT hubs in Londiani and Chepseon, a referral hospital, the Kenya School of Agriculture, affordable housing units and market infrastructure.
He noted that the proposed 370 affordable housing units near Londiani Girls, an ongoing ESP market and a planned modern market estimated at Sh308 million were among projects expected to transform the local economy.
Cherorot also commended President William Ruto’s development agenda, saying the country was witnessing increased investment in infrastructure, housing, healthcare and education. He urged residents to continue supporting development initiatives and maintaining peace to create an environment conducive for investment.
After the consultative meeting, stakeholders visited the proposed site at Londiani Forest Station to assess the location and gain firsthand understanding of the planned development, marking another step towards the implementation of the project expected to benefit Kipkelion East and the wider Kericho region.
By Monica Irua and Faith Chelang’at
