CS Murkomen Holds Uhuru Government Accountable for JKIA Roof Leakage
The leaking roofs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been attributed to negligence and shoddy workmanship by contractors during the previous administration, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
During his speech on Tuesday, Murkomen highlighted the fact that the current administration has taken over a dilapidated aviation infrastructure and is now actively working towards its restoration. Videos shared on various social media platforms show rainwater seeping through the ceilings of the international departures area, sparking amusement among internet users. To enhance airport operations, including JKIA, the government has established a fresh committee for the Kenya Civil and Aviation Authority and the Kenya Airports Authority. This committee will be responsible for the selection and appointment of new management personnel.
"When we got into the office we found that the projects in the previous regime were substandard. When the renovation was done on Terminal 1C and E, it was in a hurry and temporary because there needed to be set up an in-field project which was costly. But we have spoken to the contractors to redo the job" he said.
Murkomen also acknowledged the challenges faced in restoring normalcy after a fire incident at JKIA. Furthermore, he explained that a contractor is currently working on installing a backup system, albeit at a slow pace, to ensure that a backup generator can be activated in less than 20 seconds during power outages. The aviation industry is set to witness significant developments, with a particular focus on the enhancement and enlargement of current airstrips.
In Kwale, the CS said that the expansion of Diani Airport will not only result in reduced airfare costs but also lead to a surge in visitor traffic within the attractive tourist town. Governor Fatuma Achani of Kwale has expressed her appreciation for this initiative, highlighting the positive impact that improved transportation infrastructure will have on the county's economy.
"We are aware that flights cannot carry full capacity, and they are also selling tickets at double prices from what is charged between Mombasa and Nairobi. Once we operationalise the new runway this will end," he said.