The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Sunday, April 28, announced a change in access points to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following flooding at the country's main entry point.
According to KAA, heavy downpour that hit the capital on Saturday evening led to the flooding of the airport's Tower Avenue Underpass.
"Normal flight operations at the airport are still ongoing, and access to all terminals remains available," a statement from KAA read in part.
"However, due to the situation, traffic is expected to be heavier than usual. We advise all vehicles to use the main entrance to access and exit the airport until further notice."
Immediately after the flooding of the underpass, KAA security teams coordinating with the police promptly cordoned off the affected area to ensure the safety of all airport users and personnel.
Before the heavy rains started being experienced in April, a contractor had been engaged to address roof leakages at Terminals 1B and 1C of JKIA.
Reports indicate that the works that started last month impacted the temporary drainage infrastructure which is partly responsible for the flooding in the area.
The contractor has since been directed to finish the work within three months.
Kenya Meteorology Department has warned that the heavy rains will persist up to mid-May warning Kenyans to brace for flooding and mudslides.
The National Government has set up a response centre coordinated by the National Emergency Multi-Agency Response Committee on floods, domiciled at the National Disaster Operations Centre at Nyayo House.
Since March, 76 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing floods with 19 others reported missing.
In Nairobi alone, the floods have caused the displacement of over 16,000 households. The Kenya Coast Guard, National Police Service and Kenya Defence Forces are coordinating to rescue and evacuate Kenyans in distress.
