Matulo residents agree to relocate to allow for Webuye airstrip expansion

Bungoma's Matulo airstrip runway. [Photo/Standard]

Residents of Matulo in Webuye West Constituency Bungoma county have agreed to relocate to pave way for the long-awaited expansion of the Webuye Airstrip.

The agreement follows a consultative meeting led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.

The relocation will proceed once compensation is disbursed—a step viewed as critical for modernising the airstrip to accommodate larger aircraft and boost regional connectivity.

“We are prepared to move as soon as we receive compensation. In fact, some of us have already begun searching for alternative land,” said local resident Paul Wasike, speaking on behalf of many in attendance.

Initial resistance from some members of the community had threatened to stall the project, with residents demanding that compensation be issued before land demarcation.

However, Governor Lusaka clarified that the placement of beacons is not a form of land seizure, but a necessary step to facilitate the issuance of title deeds and ensure equitable compensation.

“The demarcation exercise is aimed at ensuring transparency and accurately identifying those eligible for compensation,” Governor Lusaka said.

The compensation process will be overseen jointly by the Bungoma County Government and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), with funds already allocated for this phase.

KAA had requested an extension of the airstrip’s runway to enhance its capacity, prompting the relocation effort.

Currently, the airstrip's runway stands at 1.1 kilometers and is expected to be extended to 2.4 kilometers. The width will be increased from 18 meters to 23 meters.

"The next phase will involve expanding the runway from its current length of 1.1 km to 2.4 km. Additionally, construction will begin on a passenger terminal, a control tower, perimeter fencing, and the tarmacking of the access road," affirmed the county boss.

Future plans include upgrading the airstrip to a full airport with a 2.5 km runway, subject to passenger traffic growth.

The airstrip had originally been allocated more than 70 acres of land, but a small part of it has been encroached on by the public.

A portion of the new runway has already been constructed, and the remaining works will commence once the land acquisition is finalised.

Wanyama called on residents to support the initiative fully, cautioning against inflating land prices.

“The government is offering very competitive rates. Let us avoid unnecessary price hikes and ensure this project is completed for the benefit of all,” said the legislator.

Once completed, the upgraded Webuye Airstrip is expected to become a key regional transport and economic hub, linking Western Kenya to Eastern Uganda and other markets in the region.