Homa Bay gets boost as Kabunde runway upgraded

SITNA OMAR-KNA

The renovated 1.3-kilometre runway at Kabunde Airstrip has officially been opened, marking a major step forward in improving air connectivity for Homa Bay and neighbouring counties.

Speaking during the launch, Renegade Air’s Sales and Marketing In-charge, Patrick Oketch, called on residents to support the airline’s operations to enable an increase in flight frequencies.

Oketch announced that the airline will initially operate a Dash 8-100 ircraft with a capacity of 37 passengers between Kabunde and Wilson Airport three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, for the first two weeks. 

The aircraft is scheduled to depart Wilson Airport at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at Kabunde at 2:15 p.m., before departing Kabunde at 2:45 p.m. and arriving back in Nairobi at 3:30 p.m.

A Thursday flight will be introduced after the initial two weeks. “We can now operate at full passenger capacity following the extension and elevation of the runway,” added Oketch.

Danish Onyango, the County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Transport and Infrastructure, welcomed the return of Renegade Air, noting that the airline had stepped in previously when no other operator was willing to serve the airstrip.

“We are happy to receive them back after months of renovation,” he said.