By Rop Janet, KNA
Residents of Olooloitikoshi in Kajiado County have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Orly Airpark management, demanding immediate action to address long-standing grievances over unfulfilled commitments and stalled local development.
The locals who held a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday accused the airpark of failing to honour agreements made with residents and investors, some spanning over two decades.
Among the grievances include the absence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, failure to establish a promised police post, lack of a community liaison officer, and obstruction of investment opportunities, particularly those impacting the Kenya School of Flying.
The community highlighted the denial of a runway extension proposed by the Kenya School of Flying, a key tenant at the airpark, as a major point of contention.
They claim a fence erected to block the extension stifles economic growth and symbolises ongoing tensions.
The extension is seen as critical for accommodating advanced training aircraft, boosting local employment, and fostering investment.
The residents demanded a clear action plan within seven days, including the rollout of CSR programmes, appointment of a community liaison officer, establishment of a police post, and approval of the runway extension.
They warned that failure to comply would lead to peaceful but firm action, including removing the contested fence.
Located 30 kilometers south of Nairobi along Magadi Road, Orly Airpark is a privately operated general aviation facility established serve as an alternative to Wilson Airport, supporting light aircraft operations, pilot training, and charter flights.
Its position outside controlled airspace makes it a hub for aviation schools and conservation missions.
The Kenya School of Flying, a major stakeholder, has been pivotal in regional aviation training.
However, the community alleges that the airpark has failed to deliver jobs, infrastructure, or meaningful engagement, leaving residents feeling neglected despite the facility’s economic potential.
