Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently provided further information on years-in the-works construction of an international airport for the Maasai Mara. Narok International Airport, valued at KSH1.4 billion (€9.5 million) is now set for completion by March 2026 and is being co-funded by the county and national government.
Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, Ruto said: “Narok is known for its tourism. This is where the Maasai Mara is. You told me to build an airport here in Narok so that tourists don’t have to worry about reaching the Maasai Mara. Today, I am going to start the construction of Narok airport.
Mixed response
For years, there has been an ongoing search for a suitable airport solution to serve the Maasai Mara. Stakeholders have long debated whether the Maraa actually needs an international airport to meet rising demand and reduce pressure on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Benito Msuma, Sales Manager at Private Safaris East Africa, which has operated in the region for over 46 years, is sceptical about the proposal. “It will do more harm than good,” he said. “That region is a vital wildlife migration corridor. Building an airport there could permanently disrupt it. Once you have an international airport, you attract real estate development and increased human activity. This could lead to the natural death of the Mara. We need to keep the area as undisturbed and natural as possible for the sake of conservation.”
The Mara has several smaller airstrips, including those at Angama Mara, Mara Serena and Keekorok, which facilitate tourist access. Some argue that upgrading these facilities might be more cost-effective than constructing a new international airport.
Felix Migoya, Chairman of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association, also believes the destination doesn’t need an international airport. “The airport might be built because of political reasons but, for the safety and sustainability of Maasai Mara, it is not a viable venture,” he said.
“Maasai Mara needs a concerted effort by the community, the management of Narok county and other stakeholders in the tourism business in Mara to keep the environment and the ecosystem friendly for wildlife prosperity. As it stands currently, wildlife habitat is shrinking day by day, and the population in and around the reserve has increased because of urbanisation, more camps and lodges being built and uncontrolled grazing
“Even the Serengeti, which is eight times bigger than the Maasai Mara, does not have a regional airport,” said Migoya.
Daniel Mbugua, Chairman of the Tour Operators Society of Kenya, added: “It seems appealing at first glance. The reality is that the reserve does not need one. Instead, funds would be better invested in improving the existing infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience and sustainability of the Mara ecosystem.
“By providing a direct route to the Maasai Mara, the airport could reduce the number of smaller aircraft operating within the reserve, potentially minimising disturbances to wildlife and aiding conservation initiatives.”
Mbugua said focus should be on making current entry points more efficient – streamlining payment systems, improving aesthetics and ensuring facilities like toilets are clean, well-equipped and accessible.
“Additionally, our rangers, who are the frontline protectors of this iconic ecosystem, deserve better compensation and access to modern patrol vehicles. Supporting their efforts directly improves conservation outcomes,” he added.
However, supporters of the proposed international airport in the Maasai Mara argue that it could boost tourism, improve accessibility and unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
Fred Ronko, Director of Mara Siana, said: “Currently, most travellers must connect through Nairobi and take small charter flights or endure long road trips to reach the Mara – factors that can deter international tourists, especially high-end travellers or those with limited time. An international airport could streamline travel, attract more direct international flights and increase visitor numbers, particularly from emerging markets like China, India and the Gulf states.”
