Kakamega County’s vibrant business community has come to a standstill, with residents calling on the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to urgently rehabilitate the Kakamega Airstrip.

The once-bustling facility, which was a lifeline for local entrepreneurs, has been rendered unusable due to a rapidly deteriorating runway.

The community's appeal comes on the heels of a sobering announcement from Skyward Express, the county’s primary airline service.

Just a week ago, the budget airline suspended flights to Kakamega, citing safety concerns over the runway’s crumbling condition.

This decision has left both business operators and passengers stranded, forcing many to turn to lengthy and costly road travel.

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The closure of the airstrip has hit local traders particularly hard.

Residents have voiced their frustrations, pointing out how the closure has forced them to take long, arduous drives to Nairobi, affecting productivity and business efficiency.

Many recall how the airstrip used to facilitate quick travel, enabling smooth business operations, while transporters, who once benefitted from airstrip transfers, now struggle as customers avoid long trips to alternate destinations.

In response to the outcry, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)acknowledged the issues surrounding the airstrip and assured residents that plans were underway to address the runway’s degradation.

In a statement through its Corporate Communications Manager Angela Mite, KAA confirmed that it had noted the concerns raised by both the airline and the residents and was working towards a solution to ensure the airstrip met the necessary safety standards.

"We acknowledge the poor state of the runway at the Kakamega Airstrip which has been caused by the weight of the aircraft. We will have engineers conduct an audit of works done to determine whether they met required standards," Mite said.

"However, a contractor will be on site from October 10th to conduct remedial repairs of the runway."

The Kakamega Airstrip had been the subject of a high-profile renovation just two years ago, with President William Ruto commissioning works to the tune of Sh174 million.

However, despite these hefty investments, the facility’s runway has crumbled once again, raising questions about the quality of the refurbishment.

Skyward Express, in a statement, underscored that the current state of the runway no longer meets safety standards, leaving them no choice but to suspend services indefinitely.

The airline’s decision has not only interrupted travel but also dealt a heavy blow to the local economy, which relied on the efficiency of air travel provided.

As Kakamega waits for action, the local business community is growing increasingly impatient.

Many hope that the KAA will step in swiftly to restore the airstrip, which had been a critical artery for the region's economic growth.

For now, though, Kakamega’s skies remain eerily quiet, its businesses stifled by the lack of connectivity.