KWS announce temporary closure of Amboseli main airstrip
By Cynthia Lodite, March 9, 2026The Kenya Wildlife Service has announced that it is temporarily closing the Amboseli main airstrip connecting the Amboseli National Park.
In a notice to the public on Monday, March 9, 2026, KWS linked the temporary closure to the ongoing heavy rains witnessed in various parts of the Country.
In the report, KWS confirmed that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to notify all visitors, tour operators and airlines operating flights to Amboseli National Park that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area,” KWS said.
As a result of the flooding situation, KWS has said that aircraft operations to the main airstrip are temporarily suspended until conditions improve and the airstrip is deemed safe for landing and take-off.
Meanwhile, all airlines and pilots are advised to use the nearby Tawi Airstrip as the alternative landing airstrip.
At the same time, KWS has assured airlines and pilots that Tawi Airstrip is not far from the closed airstrip, as it is approximately 5 Kilometers from Kimana Gate.
“In the meantime, all airlines and pilots are advised to use the nearby Tawi Airstrip as the alternative landing airstrip. The airstrip is conveniently located approximately 5 Kilometers from Kimana Gate, providing continued access to the park for visitors,” KWS added.
Kenya Wildlife Service further announced that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide timely updates regarding the status of the airstrip and prevailing weather conditions.
The Wildlife Service has directed all Visitors and operators to remain in contact with KWS for the latest updates before proceeding to the Amboseli Main airstrip.
Floods in the Country
The temporary closure comes at a time when the government has confirmed that at least 42 people have been killed in days of floods across various parts of the Country.
CS Geoffrey Ruku told announced on Sunday May 8,2026 that police had documented 42 deaths since then, including 26 in the capital, Nairobi.
Police further said that the deaths were reported in multiple counties as torrential rains battered large parts of the country over the weekend, flooding roads and disrupting transport and daily activities in several towns.
The floods have also done extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
In Nairobi, floodwaters swept through low-lying neighbourhoods and informal settlements, submerging homes and carrying away vehicles as rivers overflowed their ba