President William Ruto has outlined plans to open Narok International Airport in early 2027.
President William Ruto says runway tarmacking will begin on November 16, 2026, as the government prepares the airport for direct international arrivals.
President William Ruto has set an early 2027 opening target for Narok International Airport. The government plans to complete runway works and build a terminal before the official launch.
Speaking at the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok on Saturday, November 14, Ruto outlined the construction schedule. He said runway tarmacking would start on Monday, November 16, 2026.
The President also said he had agreed with the Narok governor on constructing the terminal building.
Narok International Airport to support tourism
Ruto said the airport would allow foreign tourists to fly directly into Narok County. He expects the improved access to bring more visitors and tourism revenue to the Maasai Mara.
The project follows requests from residents for better air connections, the President explained. Residents had asked the government to support an airport that would make international travel to the tourism destination easier.
Meanwhile, Ruto announced that the government had completed the airport in Kilgoris, where aircraft were already landing. He said visitors could use that facility as a shorter route to the Maasai Mara.
He also said the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport had reached an advanced stage. The government aims to increase Kenya’s capacity to receive international visitors through that expansion.
National and county governments agree on airport upgrade
The announcement follows a May 2026 agreement between the Transport Ministry and the Narok County Government. The Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement sets out their cooperation on upgrading and modernising Narok Airport.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir oversaw the signing, which formalised responsibilities across the two levels of government. Their partnership covers construction, upgrading and ongoing maintenance of the facility.
The planned development includes a 1.5-kilometre runway, two taxiways and a terminal building. It also includes supporting amenities and perimeter fencing.
During the signing, Chirchir said the partnership would create a modern, safe and efficient aviation gateway. He also linked the upgrade to unlocking the tourism potential of the Maasai Mara destination.
