Skyward
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Kenyan low-budget airline Skyward Express has announced the suspension of its flight operations to and from Kakamega due to the deteriorating condition of the local airstrip's runway.
This decision, effective September 30, 2024, comes less than two years after the airline inaugurated the route to serve travellers from the western region. The airline's management emphasizes the importance of passenger and crew safety in their notice to clients on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the runway no longer meets their safety standards. The Nairobi-Kakamega route, which had been operational since December 2022 at Sh6,000 per flight, had become a popular choice for many travellers. Flights departed from Wilson Airport to Kakamega at 10 am and returned to Nairobi at 11:05 am.
Skyward Express continues to serve several other routes from Wilson Airport, including Kitale, Mombasa, Lamu, Eldoret, Diani, Lodwar, and Malindi. In October 2023, Parliament initiated an inquiry into the airline's safety standards following a petition tabled by Loima MP Protus Akuja. The petition cited several concerning incidents, including issues with landing gear, unusual noises during flights, and smoke emanating from aircraft wings. Mr Akuja urged the National Assembly's Public Petitions Committee to investigate the airline and ensure that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) certifies mandatory and regular aircraft maintenance.
The Kakamega airstrip has also been at the centre of a compensation dispute between the county and national governments since President William Ruto announced plans to elevate it to airport status. While the national government promised to compensate affected locals, disagreements between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senator Boni Khalwale have hindered the process. Accusations of land speculation and political manoeuvring have further complicated the situation. Recent developments have seen Kakamega leaders blaming the airstrip's deterioration on the proposed elevation of Matulo Airstrip in neighbouring Bungoma County to international airport status.
This move is perceived by some as an attempt to diminish Kakamega's regional importance, with Senator Khalwale claiming that the Webuye airstrip upgrade is intended to overshadow the existing facility in Kakamega. The suspension of Skyward Express flights has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the Kakamega Airstrip, particularly given the substantial investments made in its rehabilitation. Local stakeholders and passengers who rely on the airstrip for convenient access to Nairobi and other major cities may face significant disruptions in the coming weeks. While the airline has expressed hope for a swift resolution to the runway issues, no specific timeline has been provided for the resumption of flights.