Narok International Airport: Ruto’s Sh1.4B Tourism Gateway Set for March 2026 Completion

A new international airport in Narok County is taking shape, with construction officially underway following President William Ruto’s groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.

The Sh1.4 billion project, jointly funded by national and county governments, aims to transform access to the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve and boost the region’s tourism economy.

The airport, located just 12 kilometers from Narok’s Central Business District and 79 kilometers from Maasai Mara’s Sekenani Gate, is scheduled for completion in March 2026 – approximately 15 months from now.

“Tourists from across Kenya and the world should have an international airport here that will allow us to welcome visitors and enhance Maasai Mara’s ability to generate more resources and revenue for the people of Narok County,” President Ruto said during the launch.

Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed new Narok International Airport.

The project represents a significant investment with costs equally shared between the two levels of government.

“Today, I have come here with a contractor, and we have already paid him Sh700 million to construct that airport. Governor Ole Ntutu has also contributed an additional Sh700 million to facilitate the project,” Ruto explained.

Modern Infrastructure with Cultural Touches

The new facility will span 329 acres (133 hectares) and feature a completely reconstructed runway.

The first phase includes transforming the existing murram airstrip into a 1.5-kilometer asphalt runway, 30 meters wide, complete with an apron and taxiways. Future plans include extending the runway to 1.8 kilometers following the acquisition of an additional 64 acres.

The terminal building, covering 4,890 square meters, will feature three boarding gates and a roof designed to accommodate 200 solar panels.

Notably, the architectural design will incorporate elements of Maasai community culture, reflecting the region’s heritage.

According to plans revealed by the Narok County government, the terminal will house numerous offices, VIP lounges, shops, and security facilities.

The broader development is expected to include a flight school, aviation-related industries, manufacturing and distribution centers, and hotels.

Direct Access to Maasai Mara

The project addresses a longstanding request from local residents who have advocated for improved tourism infrastructure.

Governor Ole Ntutu previously emphasized the importance of the project, noting: “I asked the President for one thing, to give us an international airport. We want our tourists to fly directly from their countries to Narok without going through Nairobi.”

This direct access will eliminate the need for international visitors to first land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi before making their way to the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Conservation and Economic Benefits

Beyond tourism convenience, the airport is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits by reducing aircraft landings and take-offs within the reserve itself, supporting conservation efforts in the delicate ecosystem.

President Ruto emphasized the airport’s dual role in balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

The project is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings through heightened tourist activity.

The airport development is part of a broader economic revitalization effort in Narok County, which also includes the commissioning of the Ewaso Ng’iro Tannery and Leather Factory, the issuance of title deeds for 103,000 acres of the Maasai Mau Forest, the construction of a 100-kilometer fence along the forest, and the opening of a Kenya Medical Training College campus.

“We are now on the path to accelerating growth through our numerous development projects that are stimulating the economy and generating inclusive wealth,” President Ruto concluded during his development tour of the county.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​