Transport CS Murkomen orders installation of new roof at JKIA

Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the immediate installation of a new roof at all passenger terminals at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Murkomen made the decree on Thursday after receiving a report from a technical committee formed on November 15 to assess the state of the JKIA, Moi and Wilson airports and provide recommendations to better operations at the landing strips.

The committee, among other things, recommended the construction of footpaths and rapid exitways, the installation of proper drainage facilities and the building of canopies at the airports.

“I am satisfied with the work that this team has done in delivering a report that is a blueprint that will guide the management and board of the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) in the implementation of structural, policy, and institutional reforms that will improve passenger experience and make Kenya an aviation hub in the region,” said CS Murkomen.

Apart from ordering the set up of the brand new roof at JKIA, Murkomen directed the immediate erection of canopies on vital walkways at the airport.

He likewise ordered the prompt reorganization of internal spaces at JKIA to reduce redundancies and provide adequate sanitary facilities, efficient passenger processing and optimum ventilation and lighting.

The Transport CS similarly decreed that a new generator and a backup generator be introduced at the airport and that all defective screening equipment at the baggage handling system be replaced with 3D technology.

"On Moi International Airport, CS Murkomen directed the immediate rehabilitation of road surfacing, drainage, road markings and curbs, erecting canopies at the departure and arrivals and construction of a Primary Screening Yard (PSY) complete with equipment, canopies and associated facilities," read a statement from the Transport ministry seen by Citizen Digital.

Murkomen also called for the establishment of proper slope management facilities at the airside to protect the runaway that is presently threatened by developing sinkholes.

He similarly ordered the replacement of old underground cables, backup generator, screening equipment, rusted canopy structures and asbestos roofing materials at the Moi International Airport.

The Transport ministry added that; "On Wilson, CS Murkomen has directed the immediate; building of a canopy protection at the luggage handling area, provision of drop-off and pick-up points at the terminal building and a primary screening for passengers at the airport, installation of proper drainage facilities within the runway and aprons and the re-carpeting of the runway with severe potholes to improve its surface condition."