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{
    "id": 1393978,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1393978/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 133,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Murkomen",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 440,
        "legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
        "slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, this requires straightforward answers. I will just read the answers. (a) The request to refurbish Kerenga Airstrip emanated from the National Celebrations Committee (NCC) during their visit to Kericho on 15th June, 2023, to assess the facility’s status in the county in readiness for the Mashujaa Day following the Presidential directive to hold the celebrations in Kericho. Refurbishment of the airstrip involved upgrading the runway to murram standards and contraction of an open steel frame shield to facilitate movement of guests during the celebrations. The works were successfully completed on 18th October, 2023. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the project total cost to date is Kshs55.4 million. A sum of Kshs45.4 million is for the clearing, striping and grading for runway as well as related drainage works, including the construction of an Aircraft holding 100 metres by 50 metres apron and Kshs10 million for the building of an open steel frame shield. No lapses were experienced during the execution of this project. The work was completed in compliance with the bill of quantities, specifications and the drawings. The project managers successive approvals were done up until the completion of the works. The Ministry is negotiating with the landowners to sell land to Kenya Airports Authority for development of the airstrip. Though the Ministry has challenges with the land ownership of the moment, the project will be completed once the land is acquired. The Cabinet Secretary has also had consultations with the leaders of Kericho on this very important matter. Just for emphasis, this Karenga Airstrip Land is owned by Ekaterra; the owners of the tea estate. Therefore, even when we developed it, it was in the understanding that we will have to engage them to complete the works. We worked with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who are the contracted entity. They were the contractors to construct the runway to murram standard. As you saw, it was useful for celebrations. Going forward, we intend to acquire at least 50 to if possible 100 hectares of that land, so that we do a proper airport that will enable our agricultural farmers there and people travelling to Kericho and its environs to land in that place and take off from that Kericho Airport. I thank the leaders of Kericho led by the Senate Majority Leader here, for their support and understanding and for the work we are doing together quietly to acquire the land."
}