Construction of Kenya’s new Narok International Airport in the Maasai Mara has been delayed while debate continues about the project boosting tourism or damaging one of East Africa’s premier safari locations.
In May 2025, Kenya’s President William Ruto announced the official commencement of construction. The project, valued at KSH1.4 billion (US$10.8 million), was received with mixed response from the industry.
Critics questioned the airport’s environmental impact and whether demand justified the investment. Supporters argue that direct international access could attract more visitors while reducing the number of small aircraft currently serving the reserve.
Progress stalls
Despite plans to open in March, the airport reportedly reached 60% completion in April, according to Kenyans.co.ke.
Politician and Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina, commenting on social media, cites heavy rains and the county’s lack of involvement in construction as reasons for the delay.
Currently, most international visitors reach the Maasai Mara via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, connecting to Wilson Airport via small aircraft.
Future operations
Air Kenya told Tourism Update it has not yet decided whether it will operate scheduled services to Narok International Airport.
“As Air Kenya, we welcome investments that enhance Kenya’s tourism infrastructure and create greater travel options for visitors whether international, domestic or regional,” said Group CEO John Kimondo.
Environmental realities
Felix Miyoga, Chairman of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association, could not confirm the completion date. He believes the project is being used as a political tool to attract votes, adding that similar infrastructure projects have often become “white elephants”.
“An example is Eldoret international Airport constructed largely for political reasons and is now underutilised,” he said. “Once completed, Narok might serve as just a regional airfield with flights from neighbouring reserves, like the Serengeti, being the major users.”
Miyoga said construction is currently negatively impacting the area with the 8km stretch between Narok and the Maasai Mara Gate disrupting wildlife corridors.
A reduction of wildlife is evident over the past five years, he added. “Property in and around the airport area was once open spaces where wildlife would move freely and the Great Migration would extend all the way to Narok.”
He anticipates that, as commercial activities increase, the population of wildlife will continue to decline.
