Kericho Airport (KEY)

As of December 2025, Kericho Airport (HKKR/KEY) is primarily an airstrip undergoing significant plans for upgrade and expansion to become a full-fledged airport. Consequently, there are no recent traveler reviews or experiences available in the typical sense for an operational airport with scheduled commercial flights. The information gathered points to the facility being in a developmental phase, with the aim of enhancing regional transport, trade, and tourism.

What Travelers (and the Region) Will Love (Future Outlook):

• Boost to Tourism and Trade: The planned airport is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism in the Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza circuits, facilitating easier transport for both passengers and fresh farm produce like flowers, avocados, processed tea, and coffee for direct export.
• Enhanced Regional Connectivity: The upgrade aims to enhance transport, trade, and tourism in the agriculturally rich South Rift region, benefiting Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Nyamira, Kisii, and parts of Kisumu, Nandi, Nakuru, and Baringo counties.
• Modern Facilities: Plans include extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and the construction of a modern passenger terminal.
• Government Commitment: The Kenyan government is actively involved, with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen overseeing the final stages of securing land from multinational tea companies for the project, driven by President William Ruto's directive.

Current Limitations/Common "Complaints" (Current State of Airstrip):

• Lack of Scheduled Service: Currently, Kericho Airport is a small civilian airport with no regular, scheduled airline service.
• Unpaved Runway: The facility has a single unpaved runway. Past reports mentioned the airstrip's dusty runway had sparked debate on social media over its poor status, prior to the upgrade announcements.
• Limited Infrastructure: As an airstrip in development, it lacks the terminal facilities, amenities, security checkpoints, customs/immigration services, and dedicated transportation connections (like public transport or extensive parking) typically found at operational airports.
• Protests against construction: In 2018, there were protests from factions of MCAs opposing the upgrade of Kerenga Airstrip, demanding the project be halted and basic community needs addressed instead.

In summary, Kericho Airport (HKKR/KEY) is undergoing a significant transformation from a basic airstrip to a full airport. While currently lacking the infrastructure and services of a commercial airport, the ongoing development is anticipated to bring substantial economic and connectivity benefits to the South Rift region of Kenya. Future travelers can expect improved facilities and connectivity once the upgrade is complete.