Sigor Airport

The primary reason for the airport's decline and eventual closure was the persistent and severe insecurity in the Kerio Valley region, which is prone to banditry and inter-communal conflict. This made flight operations unsafe and unsustainable. Contributing factors included a lack of economic viability for regular flights and a subsequent withdrawal of government funding for maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

The airport is completely abandoned and non-operational. Satellite imagery shows the unpaved runway is still clearly defined but is heavily overgrown with grass and shrubs. It is bisected by local footpaths and vehicle tracks. The site is reportedly used by the local community for grazing livestock and as a general thoroughfare. There is no remaining aviation infrastructure, such as buildings or navigation aids, on the site.

Sigor Airport was a crucial logistical airstrip in a remote and often inaccessible part of Kenya's West Pokot County. It was never a commercial airport with scheduled passenger services. Its historical significance lies in its role supporting:
1. **Government Administration:** Facilitating travel for government officials to the region.
2. **Security Operations:** Serving as a landing strip for police and military aircraft for deployment and supply missions in a volatile area.
3. **Humanitarian and Medical Aid:** Enabling access for organizations like the AMREF Flying Doctors for medical evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies.
4. **Missionary Work:** Providing access for various faith-based organizations operating in the region.
The airport primarily handled light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Pilatus Porter) and was a lifeline for essential services in an area with poor road infrastructure.

There are currently no concrete, funded plans to reopen Sigor Airport. However, its rehabilitation is frequently discussed by local political leaders and security officials. The primary motivation for potential reopening is to enhance security in the North Rift by creating a strategic landing zone for the rapid deployment of security forces to combat banditry. Proponents also argue that a functional airstrip would spur economic development and improve access for emergency services. Any future reopening is contingent on a significant improvement in regional security and a dedicated government infrastructure investment in the area.