Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced five infrastructural projects the government was keen on undertaking in airports across the country including the expansion of runways.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, March 2, the construction of new terminal buildings and reconstruction of pavements were named top priority changes to be effected.
Reconstruction of aeronautical ground lighting on the runways and the development of parking silos were also included in the list.
Murkomen indicated that the changes would help boost the aviation industry and make Kenya a hub in the sector.
Additionally, he stated that the plans would create employment opportunities for many Kenyans and also boost business in the long run.
"The aviation industry has immense potential which, if exhaustively harnessed, will make Kenya an aviation hub and a force in the global market.
"Top of our agenda is the modernisation of our airports and upgrading of aerodromes around the country," Murkomen stated.
To this effect, Murkomen stated that they were keen on engaging various sector players in the industry to make the process more inclusive.
"We discussed this during my meeting with the Executive Committee of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) led by its Chairperson Mbuvi Ngunze, Vice Chairperson Jimmy Kibati and CEO Liz Aluvanze. Also present was my colleague Transport PS Mohamed Daghar," he stated.
However, he did not mention the timelines for the project and the costs involved.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), there are currently 10 airports with five of them being international.
The airports averagely host 8.8 million passengers yearly and contribute close to 5.1 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
