Ruto Announces New Plan to Construct International Stadium and Airport in Nyanza

President William Ruto has unveiled ambitious plans to build a modern airport and an international-standard football stadium in Kisii County, projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving infrastructure in the region.

The President made the announcement on Thursday while attending the NYOTA fund disbursement event in the Nyanza region. He disclosed that he will tour Kisii next month to officially launch the proposed development projects.

“I will return here next month on a development tour. We have agreed that Kisii must be transformed. I want to assure you that I will personally initiate development and kick off the construction of an airport,” Ruto said.

According to the President, the government initially considered acquiring a new site for the airport, but difficulties in securing land forced a change of strategy. Instead, the existing Suneka airstrip will be upgraded to meet modern aviation standards.

Ruto revealed that the runway will be expanded and improved, with KSh400 million already set aside for the project. Construction works are expected to begin next month.

Ruto in Kisii on 29th January for he NYOTA empowerment youth. — Ruto in Kisii on 29th January for the NYOTA empowerment youth.

At the same time, the Gusii Stadium is set to undergo a major facelift, with the government allocating KSh770 million for its upgrade. However, the current stadium site was found to be too small to accommodate international-level expansion.

To address this challenge, the government has opted to use the neighbouring ASK showgrounds to create enough space for the stadium’s expansion. Funds have also been allocated to relocate ASK facilities to allow the project to proceed smoothly.

“We have engaged the ASK management and provided resources to support their relocation so that the stadium upgrade can move forward. This will be an international-standard stadium, as requested by your leaders,” Ruto stated.

During the renovation period, football matches currently held at Gusii Stadium will be moved to alternative venues, as parts of the facility will be demolished to make way for the expansion.

The airport and stadium projects form part of a broader government strategy to strengthen infrastructure, attract investors, and create employment opportunities in Kisii County and the wider Nyanza region.

Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity by complementing Kisumu International Airport and the proposed Narok Airport. It will also ease pressure on smaller airstrips such as Kabunde in Homa Bay by improving passenger and cargo movement.

In addition, President Ruto reaffirmed that his earlier directive to relocate the Kisii GK Prison from the town centre remains in effect. The land will be repurposed for affordable housing projects to support urban development in Kisii town.