Ruto Orders Construction Of New International Airport In Narok
Ruto stated that the initiative is designed to enhance tourism and improve access to the area.
Marvin Chege 
Narok County is on the verge of having its status as a major tourist destination raised even further after President William Ruto launched the construction of the Narok International Airport on Tuesday, May 6.
While announcing plans for a new airport in Narok County, Ruto stated that the initiative is designed to enhance tourism and improve access to the area.
He explained that the decision to build the airport came after repeated requests from residents, who emphasised that tourism is their primary economic activity and that an airport would significantly increase its value.
At a prior economic forum in Narok County, President Ruto reiterated the government's dedication to supporting tourism by constructing an international airport to facilitate easier access to the Maasai Mara, a facility he says he has given 15 months, from now till 2026, to be completed.
President William Ruto views a blueprint for the construction of Narok International Airport on May 6, 2025. /PCS
"When I came here for the economic forum, the people of Narok told us that since the county is known for tourism, they want an airport that will make travel easier," Ruto noted.
The construction of Narok International Airport, per the Head of State, will promote tourism by enhancing access and connectivity to the Maasai Mara. It will reduce aircraft landings and take-offs within the reserve, thereby supporting conservation efforts. Further, the project will also create jobs and boost foreign exchange earnings.
Both the county government and the national government have allocated Ksh700 million each for the project, amidst plans to ensure the airport is ready within a year. According to Ruto, the entire project is expected to cost Ksh1.4 billion.
''Today, I have come here with a contractor, and we have already paid him Ksh700 million to construct that airport. Governor Ole Ntutu has also contributed an additional Ksh700 million to facilitate the project. I have told the contractor that I will be here in March next year to officially open the airport," Ruto said.
The project will involve building an airstrip and a terminal where passengers will go through all stages of air travel, from check-in to boarding and arrival. According to the plans released by the Narok County government, the airport will feature a modern terminal with numerous offices, VIP lounges, retail shops, security offices, and more.
The surrounding area will include a flight school, aviation-related industries, manufacturing and distribution facilities, and hotels. The government has not yet disclosed the exact location or the size of the land the airport will occupy.
This announcement follows a month after Governor Ole Ntutu expressed support for the airport project during President Ruto's development tour of the county. He revealed that the new facility would allow tourists to fly directly into Narok, bypassing Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Whereas it is unclear the type of aircraft the upcoming international airport would accommodate, it is worth noting that Ruto's directive comes days after national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) inked a strategic codeshare agreement with domestic carrier Safarilink Aviation.
This now allows international travellers to book flights to Kenya’s iconic safari hotspots — like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, and Samburu — on a single ticket, eliminating the hassle of juggling multiple bookings.
