Transport cabinet secretary ordered widespread infrastructure upgrades and repairs at the country’s three largest airports on Friday after receiving an interim report detailing their poor condition.
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the changes are necessary to “cement Kenya’s position as an aviation hub” in Africa. He directed the Kenya Airports Authority to immediately begin implementing improvements at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
“As the Government, we are ready to work with all stakeholders to improve the state of our airports,” Murkomen said.
At JKIA, Murkomen ordered the installation of canopies over walkways, a new roof for the entire terminal building and reorganization of spaces to “reduce redundancies.” He also called for upgraded backup power generators and new 3D baggage screening technology.
Moi International will see repairs to roads, drainage and markings, new passenger screening facilities and measures to protect the runway from sinkholes, Murkomen said. Asbestos roofing materials will also be removed.
Upgrades are also planned for Wilson Airport, including new luggage canopies, passenger drop-off points, flight screening areas and repairs to the runway.
Murkomen did not provide details on the cost of the upgrades or timing for completion. But he said the changes identified in the interim report are necessary to “provide adequate sanitary facilities, efficient passenger processing and optimum ventilation and lighting” at Kenya’s aging airports.
