Major boost as Homabay’s Kabunde airstrip resumes operations
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, January 20, 2026Kabunde Airstrip resumed operations on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after undergoing a complete refurbishment of its upgrade and runway, a move expected to boost businesses in the local area as well as ease movement for travellers.
According to a statement on Facebook by the county government of Homabay that was made on Tuesday, January 20, this refurbishment translates to smooth and faster flights and more cargo capacity. The facility now includes a 1.4km extension of the runway on both ends, new turning loops, and a complete replacement of the tarmac.
“The upgrade and runway extension are complete, boosting connectivity, trade, and tourism. Smoother flights, more cargo capacity, and a big win for local businesses and travellers,” read the statement.
Operations at Kabunde airstrip suspended.
The operations of the airstrip were temporarily suspended in June 2025 to allow for its runway maintenance and expansion works in preparation for the Madaraka Day celebrations held in Homabay County. The project was set to be finished before October’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The refurbishment of the airstrip to a modern facility will ensure that the residents of Homabay County enjoy a long-lasting socio-economic gain from the operations of the airstrip, since its operations will translate to increased revenue to the county government as well as increased business to the residents of the area.
This will improve to a great margin the regional connectivity and drive economic growth by a great margin.
Homabay is evolving into a tourism hub.
While inspecting its completion, Kenya Airways authority chairperson Caleb Kositany noted that the airstrip has a capacity of one million passengers per year, making Kabunde area a tourism hub and boosting the region’s accessibility and logistics.
“With capacity for up to one million passengers annually, the visit highlighted Kabunde’s emergence as a hub primed for tourism expansion, business development, and seamless regional logistics,” Kositany noted.
