The stalled Lanet Airport project has re-emerged as a major frustration for Nakuru’s business community, with traders and investors saying its completion is critical to unlocking the county’s economic potential.

Wilson Gitu, chairperson of the Nakuru Business Association, says the absence of a functional airport continues to cost the county significant opportunities.

Wilson Gitu, the chairperson of the Nakuru Business Association, during investment roundtable meeting hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui on August 15,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

He recalls that in 2020, as a businessman, he lost an estimated Sh. 2 billion in potential deals when an international investor pulled out due to the logistical challenges of air travel.

“We cannot claim to be a competitive investment destination when executives, cargo, and tourists have to make lengthy detours through Nairobi or Eldoret,” he says.

“An operational airport would not only save time but also position Nakuru as a true commercial hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism,” Gitu adds.

On his part, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui says the government is committed to unlocking the airport project, acknowledging it as a major pain point for the business community.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, during investment roundtable meeting attended by the Nakuru business community on August 15,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

“We will work with the Ministry of Transport and local leadership to unlock the project because we are fully aware of the huge importance the airport holds for Nakuru’s economy. I have a personal interest in the airport myself, so we are going to work on it,” he says.

Other business leaders note that the airport would open up regional export markets, boost conference tourism, and attract global brands looking for quick logistics.

They add that the facility would also ease pressure on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Eldoret International Airport, while improving Nakuru’s chances of hosting major events.

Just a month ago, Governor Susan Kihika visited State House with other Nakuru leaders, where President William Ruto pledged to restart works at the airport alongside other stalled projects

The commitments included the Afraha and Olenguruone stadiums, and the proposed Naivasha SGR link, as well as dualling the Rironi–Mau Summit Road and infrastructural support for the Naivasha Economic Zone.

While the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has since visited Afraha and Olenguruone stadiums to assess completion plans, the airport remains untouched- a gap that business leaders say sends the wrong signal about prioritization.

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