Kericho Community Mobilizes To Rebuild Neglected Kerenga Airstrip Through Fundraising

• Residents of Kericho County have lost hope in the government's promise to upgrade Kerenga Airstrip
• Since the facility currently lies in a state of despair, they've started an initiative to contribute towards rebuilding it
• Group members have pledged cement, labour, and other airport amenities like binoculars and wind socks.

Concerned community members have launched a grassroots effort to revive Kerenga Airstrip, responding to its longstanding neglect.

Frustrated by the lack of action from local leaders and authorities, residents have organized a fundraising event on WhatsApp.

How much did gov't allocate Kerenga Airstrip?

Daktari Kelvin Kipchirchir Ufa, spearheading the initiative, told TUKO.co.ke that they aim to raise at least KSh 2 million in materials for the project.

This comes in the wake of revelations that a budget allocation of KSh 60 million had been set aside for the project, yet the funds were never utilized.

This inaction has left the airstrip in disrepair, hindering the region's potential economic growth and connectivity.

"Kerenga Airstrip is a crucial asset for our community, and its current state of neglect cannot be ignored any longer," Kelvin said.

How are people contributing?

For this reason, they took matters into their own hands and plan to rebuild the airstrip using their resources.

The organizers requested residents, businesses, and well-wishers to contribute to the noble cause and help bring the project closer to fruition.

"This airstrip will benefit many people during construction and after construction. The revenue will be high," he urged.

Kelvin clarified that they don't have a pay bill, and since cash is tempting, they accept support in the form of materials.

As of the time this report was filed, several WhatsApp group members had pledged cement and other airport amenities like binoculars and wind socks.

Who was first VIP to land at Kerenga Airstrip?

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto was the first to land and take off from the airstrip during a successful test in October 2023.

Then-transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen indicated that he was impressed with the work done by the Kenya Airports Authority and the Kenya Defence Forces.

He announced that the second phase of the construction work would involve paving and expanding the runway from 1.2km to 2km.

The airstrip has the potential to facilitate the fast movement of people and goods, promote tourism, and spur economic growth in the region.

Kerenga Airstrip tendering scandal

In 2022, three Kericho county officials were arrested over procurement irregularities in awarding the tender for the rehabilitation of the airstrip.

Detectives attached to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also nabbed an employee of the Ministry of Lands.

They were identified as Kibet Ngetich Nelson (Supply Chain Management Officer, Kericho County Government), Evaline Chepkirui Marogo Ngeno (Accountant, Kericho County Government), John Kiprono Mibei (Surveyor, Kericho County Government) and Geoffrey Komen Kibowen (Surveyor, Ministry of Lands).

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Collage of Kerenga Airstrip.

Murkomen happy with Kerenga Airstrip rehabilitation progress - Business Now

Murkomen says Kerenga Airstrip in Kericho to be extended to 2km - YouTube