Matulo Airstrip in Webuye, Bungoma County, is undergoing a major transformation that could reshape air travel, logistics and regional trade in Western Kenya.
Once a modest regional airstrip, the facility is now at the centre of a multi-billion-shilling upgrade programme aimed at turning it into a modern airport capable of handling commercial passenger and cargo flights.
As of late 2025, the airstrip was declared ready for commercial operations following rehabilitation works, with further upgrades planned to elevate it to international standards.
From Airstrip to Airport
The current runway at Matulo measures approximately 1.1 to 1.2 kilometres and can safely accommodate aircraft of up to 35 seats. However, government plans go much further.
Former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the upgrade is designed to unlock movement of people and goods across the region. Speaking during inspection tours in April and May 2024, Murkomen said, “To further enhance the movement of people and goods, the Government is upgrading the Matulo Airstrip to an airport. The runway will be extended to 1.2km of tarmac and a terminal building put up.”
He added that land acquisition is underway to support a longer runway. “We are working to get more land so that we can expand the runway to 2.5 kilometres and get traffic flying directly to the airstrip,” Murkomen said.
Once completed, the 2.5-kilometre runway would allow the airport to handle larger aircraft and potentially support direct international flights.
Investment, Jobs and Regional Trade
The expansion has already attracted significant public investment. Initial allocations of about Sh100 million from both the national and county governments funded rehabilitation works, including fencing, runway improvement and basic facilities. Longer-term plans envision a Sh2.5 billion international-standard airport with a permanent passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities, parking, and security infrastructure.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has consistently argued that the airstrip is critical to unlocking economic growth. During the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2024, Lusaka said the upgrade would reposition Bungoma as a logistics and commercial hub for western Kenya and eastern Uganda.
“This facility will help our farmers, traders and investors access markets faster and more affordably,” Lusaka said, noting that improved air connectivity would cut travel time to Nairobi and eliminate dependence on Eldoret and Kisumu airports.
The cargo potential is particularly significant. Bungoma and neighbouring counties produce large volumes of perishable agricultural goods, including vegetables and fruits. With an upgraded airport, produce such as traditional vegetables locally known as kamabwoni could be exported directly to regional and international markets, reducing spoilage and transport costs.
Strategic National Importance
President William Ruto has also linked Matulo’s upgrade to his broader infrastructure and regional development agenda. Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma in June 2024, the President said the airstrip would play a key role in opening up Western Kenya.
“We want infrastructure that supports production, trade and jobs for our people,” Ruto said, pledging continued national government support for the project.
There is also an active proposal by local leaders to rename the upgraded facility in honour of the President, reflecting the political backing behind the project.
Beyond trade and travel, the upgraded airport is expected to support emergency medical evacuations, disaster response and tourism, while creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations.
As construction of a permanent terminal and runway expansion accelerates in 2026, Matulo Airstrip is steadily emerging as a strategic aviation gateway for Western Kenya — with implications far beyond Bungoma County.
