KAA cites temporary interventions as cause of JKIA challenges

“Over the last 10 years, JKIA has suffered inadequate facility and infrastructure capacity upgrades to the extent that even temporary interventions became permanent solutions hence the current state of affairs on service disruption,” KAA said. 

In a press statement early Wednesday, the airport authority stated that a comprehensive infrastructural overhaul at JKIA by the Government is in the works.

The airport authority's response follows public concern, fueled by a viral video on November 14, revealing roof leakages at the international airport. 

This prompted a response by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday, November 14, who attributed the issues to substandard work during former president Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure. 

Moreover, similar sentiments were echoed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, while inaugurating the 30th Engineers of Kenya Convention in Mombasa on Wednesday, November 15.

The DP criticized the workmanship during President Kenyatta's tenure, highlighting the disconnect between the expenses incurred and the current state of JKIA.

”JKIA was done at a massive cost but today, it is a shame to the profession of engineers and architects. Public resources were expended, and when you go there, you feel sorry, yet engineers and architects certified, and on the basis of that certification, payments were made,” Gachagua said.

Additionally, a recent power outage on November 11 which disrupted the airport’s operations drew the attention of Kenyans even more, after KAA revealed efforts to synchronize additional backup power within 30 days. 

However, public dissatisfaction arose as Kenyans questioned the absence of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) for continuous power during blackouts.

Responding to these concerns, KAA acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye on Wednesday assured the public of ongoing efforts to revitalize the airport.

Ogoye revealed that the Government has initiated plans for infrastructure development.

“To this end, the Government has commenced the process to address infrastructure development of the facility covering the expansion of the passenger terminal, runway capacity, and provision of additional aircraft parking bays beginning this financial year 2023/2024,” the statement read.

According to the body, the move is aimed at ensuring seamless, efficient and effective service delivery at JKIA.