Two weeks after President Uhuru Kenyatta challenged Nakuru leaders to solve land disputes so as to get an airport, Rongai has been proposed for the same.
In his speech to leaders, Uhuru challenged them to sort out the land issues, saying that enough cash has been set aside to construct the airport in the area.
The airport would provide an alternative landing base for Nairobi flights during an emergency.
Earlier on, the National Environmental Management Authority had dismissed the 500-acre piece of land saying that the airport would interfere with the immigration pattern of flamingos and pelicans.
URP youth leader Hassan Hajji said that the area has much potential.
“Its accessibility is better than Pipeline and it would put to good use land which has been idle for a long time,” said Hajji.
Rift Valley Water Service Board Chairman John Kitilit proposed that the acreage of the Pipeline land be transferred to Rongai.
“Areas especially Madrugada is ideal and convenient for town,” he added.
NACADA Chairman John Mututho supported the move to have it in a different location.
“Lake Nakuru is a bird’s sanctuary, a world heritage site. Decisions there will have to be ratified by the whole world. As a former fighter pilot trainee, I know one needs 6-kilometer stable runways and excellent vertical and horizontal visibility,” said Mututho.
Mututho challenged the government to negotiate with retired president Daniel Moi and acquire and expand Kabarak land for the airport which would capture Baringo, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua and Nakuru traffic.
Joakim Njui, a youth leader, cited that the port would enable easy access to international market especially since the area dealt with a lot of horticultural exports.
“Nakuru needs to expand in all horizons and it will help in the business and tourism arena,” he added.
Njui pointed out that an earlier report by NEMA and KAA had suggested Rongai as the best in terrain.
In an earlier meeting at the Deputy Governor Joseph Rutos office In November 2015, the team from the Kenya Airports Authority led by the acting Managing Director Yatich Kangugo said that the airport will be situated at Pipeline, 17Km from Nakuru town.
He said that KAA in collaboration with the County government will produce a Master plan for the airport in the next three weeks in readiness for the construction of the airport set to be completed in the next 48 months.
He added that the facility could be used for international flights in case of an emergency like the fire tragedy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
KAA and the Nakuru county government had dismissed NEMA report on the bird migratory route, saying it was non existent.