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President William Ruto has pledged to the residents of Bungoma that his administration will facilitate the expansion of Matulo airstrip, enabling commercial flights to operate from the area.

During his address at the Masinde Muliro Stadium on June 1, 2024, as part of the Madaraka Day celebrations, Ruto revealed plans for the airport’s development.

He disclosed that an agreement had been reached between himself and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, with the county government set to acquire additional land for the expansion, while the national government would undertake the construction of a longer runway and a terminal building.

“Pia pale katika Matulo tumejenga pale airport mpya. Matatizo kidogo ni kwamba hatuna Ardhi ya kutosha. Nimekubaliana na gavana Lusaka yakwamba yeye atanunua ardhi na mimi na serikali kuu tutaongeza runway na kujenga terminal,” Ruto announced.

Moreover, Ruto assured the residents that once the expansion is completed, they will no longer need to travel to Eldoret or Kisumu to catch flights to various destinations.

“Na nilisema jana kwamba hamtakua na haja ya kuja Eldoret ama kuenda Kisumu kutafuta ndege, ndege yenu mutakutana nayo hapa Webuye hapo Matulo,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Lusaka proposed renaming the Matulo airstrip to William Ruto airstrip upon the conclusion of ongoing renovations and upgrades.

Masinde Muliro stadium

Furthermore, Ruto committed to the timely completion of the Masinde Muliro Stadium, ensuring that it becomes fully functional for the benefit of the county’s residents.

“This stadium that has been built for the last five years or so, all that space was not done. I want to commit to the people of Bungoma that the contractor will not leave site. The people in charge, especially the military officers in charge, will be here until this stadium is completed and made available for the people of this county and Kenyans,” he said.

Ruto further assured Bungoma residents that the stadium would be equipped with a roof to shield spectators from the sun.

“I know that there is plenty of sun elsewhere (on terraces), I just want to promise you that this will be the last time that you will be bitten by the sun. The next time you come to this stadium, this whole stadium will be covered properly,” Ruto remarked.

Addressing concerns about encroachment around the stadium, Ruto issued a stern warning to land grabbers, emphasizing the government’s determination to reclaim all public land.

“Let me also ask the people around this stadium especially those who have decided to acquire some of the public land, please tuheshimiane kidogo. Kila mtu mwenye ako na shamba ambayo anajua ni ya serikali, pole pole funga virago yako ondoka tutajenga hii mahali yote ikae mzuri. Hatutaki kuskumana na mtu, hatutaki vita na mtu, tunataka tuheshimiane kwa sababu mali ya umma ni mali ya wanainchi wote wa Kenya,” he said.