The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Wednesday stated that it had commenced the process of addressing infrastructure problems at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following scathing criticism directed at the government after viral videos and images showed the facility's roofs leaking.
Following the barrage of criticism, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday blamed poor workmanship by the contractor and engineers who conducted renovations at Terminal IC and IE during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure.
In its statement, KAA took a cue from the CS, blaming inadequate facility and infrastructure upgrades over the years for the leakages.
“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 state of affairs in service disruptions,” read the statement.
As such, Acting KAA CEO Henry Ogoye stated that the agency has commenced the upgrading process covering the expansion of the passenger terminal and runway capacity.
Ogoye also revealed that the agency will oversee the provision of additional parking bays during the Financial Year 2023/2024.
“The Board, Management and Staff of the Kenya Airports Authority are aligned with the concerns of the public and are implementing the Government's civil aviation investment program to facilitate, seamless, efficient and effective service delivery,” further read the statement.
After blaming Uhuru's government for JKIA's leaking roofs, CS Murkomen came under heavy criticism from a large section of Kenyans. However, he was defended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking at a Mombasa hotel on Wednesday, November 15, during the 30th Institution of Engineers of Kenya Convention, the DP maintained that the blame squarely lies with the former government and dismissed the criticism leveled at Murkomen.
“I’ve seen some people castigate CS Murkomen because of what he said about JKIA leaking roofs… people in this country are allergic to truth. A massive cost was spent on JKIA but today it’s a shame,” Stated Rigathi.
According to the Deputy President, the contractors who were awarded the tenders to upgrade the facility did a shoddy job and did not offer value for money.
Gachagua, while addressing the delegates gathered at the convention, stated that the government needs to act on the small percentage of engineers who have developed a tendency of cutting corners before it becomes a major problem.
