President Ruto breaks ground for new Narok airport

President William Ruto has officially announced the construction of a new airport in Narok County, marking a milestone for the region’s tourism sector.

The project, which aims to improve accessibility to one of Kenya's premier tourist destinations, is expected to cater to the growing demand for direct flights to the Maasai Mara.

The announcement was made during President Ruto's visit to the Ntulele Modern Market in Narok on Tuesday.

During his visit, he confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new airport would take place later that day.

In his remarks, President Ruto highlighted the importance of the project, explaining that the new airport would help ensure tourists could easily and quickly travel to the region, enhancing their experience and making travel more convenient.

"Narok is known for its tourism. This is where the Maasai Mara is, this (sic) Narok is what gives us a lot of money from tourism. You told me to build an airport here in Narok so that tourists don’t have to worry about reaching the Maasai Mara," Ruto said.

"Today, I am going to start the construction of Narok airport, which will help our tourists."

The airport, which will be developed through a collaboration between the national government and the Narok County Government, is seen as a vital infrastructure project that will boost the local economy.

It will provide a direct gateway for international visitors, eliminating the need for travelers to pass through Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before heading to Narok.

Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok County has strongly supported the airport project, emphasizing its potential to transform the tourism sector in the region.

"We are ready in Narok to receive our President. He will bring us a lot of goodies, and I am urging my people in Narok to come out in large numbers to welcome him," he said.

He also reiterated his earlier request to President Ruto for a direct international airport to bring tourists straight to Narok.

"I asked the President for one thing: to give us an international airport. We want our tourists to fly directly from their countries to Narok without going through Nairobi," Governor Ntutu added.

The airport project has not been without controversy, however.

On April 12, a group of local leaders voiced their opposition to the location of the airport.

They argued that the facility should be built on public land rather than private land within Narok County.

Despite this disagreement, the project is moving forward, with the national government and the county authorities keen to see it completed.

This new airport is set to further strengthen Narok’s position as a key destination for both local and international tourists, offering easier access to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve and contributing to the county’s economic growth.