Narok Airstrip upgrade to boost Kenya's tourism industry

A camel caravan along Ewaso Ng'iro River. [File, Standard] Kenya's tourism industry is set for a significant boost as Narok County prepares to break ground next week on the much-anticipated upgrade of the Narok Airstrip to full airport status. This development is expected to enhance tourism in the region, particularly by offering better access to the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The upgraded airport will also improve connectivity for the local horticulture, agriculture, and livestock sectors, further supporting the region's economic growth. The airstrip, locally known as the Ewaso-Ngiro Airstrip and located in Oloisiusiu along the Narok-Ewaso Ngiro-Maasai Mara road, has long been a key gateway for tourists visiting the Maasai Mara. However, its potential has been underutilized since the elevation of the Angama Airstrip in Oloololo Escarpment, which despite its status, has struggled with economic viability. The decision to upgrade the airstrip gained momentum after President William Ruto dispatched a team from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to conduct an official inspection of the site two months ago. The inspection confirmed the airstrip's readiness for expansion. In a recent meeting with a delegation from the KAA, Narok County Governor Patrick Ntutu confirmed that the county government has allocated 400 acres of land for the airport expansion, with a title deed under the county's ownership. "This strategic infrastructure development is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance air connectivity and boost economic growth in the southern Rift Valley. It will also streamline the flow of tourists to the Maasai Mara in a more organized and accountable manner," said Governor Ntutu. Narok is home to several airstrips, including those in Keekorok, Serena, Ol Kiombo, Musiara, Ngerende, Mara North, and Siana Conservancy, with more than 30 flights landing daily. However, the governor noted that the numerous airstrips within the Maasai Mara reserve had become a disruptive force for wildlife. The new airport will consolidate flights, reducing the environmental impact on animals while boosting tourism efficiency. "The completion of this airport will bring a ripple effect, positively impacting local businesses such as taxi services and tour operators. Narok town will see increased development as tourists spend more time here before heading to the Mara," Ntutu added. The new airport will improve access to Maasai Mara and also enhance the region's economic prospects. In addition to increasing the number of tourists visiting Narok, the airport will reduce travel time for those heading to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, offering a more direct route to the region's famous wildlife. In August 2021, the administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Narok Governor Samuel Tunai launched the upgrade of the Angama Airstrip to international airport status to directly connect foreign tourists to the Maasai Mara. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the Angama project has yet to be completed, with phase one of the rehabilitation, which was expected to cost Sh278 million, still unfinished. Governor Ntutu expressed confidence that the county and national government will work together closely to ensure the timely completion of the Narok airport project. Joseph Kamau, a tour operator with Bonfire Adventure Tour Company, expressed his concerns, saying, "Our jobs will be affected as tourists will prefer to fly directly into the Mara instead of spending hours on the road." However, local Maasai tour guides and taxi drivers operating at the gates of Maasai Mara are optimistic. They anticipate increased business opportunities as tourists arriving at the new airport will need transport to hotels and game drives. "We will be directly involved in transporting tourists, which will be a great boost to our businesses," said Daniel Karino, a Maasai tour guide. The government's focus on upgrading airports across the country aims to enhance connectivity and unlock the potential of regions like Narok. John Ololtua, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Tourism, emphasized that air travel remains the most convenient and efficient way for tourists to access Kenya's diverse destinations. "The new airport will connect travelers to the Maasai Mara and other key destinations, making Kenya even more appealing to international tourists," Ololtua said. The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya's most iconic tourist attractions, known for the annual wildebeest migration, often referred to as the "Great Migration."

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