An 11-member committee tasked with probing the status of three local airports has made a raft of recommendations in the final report submitted to Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, December 21.
In a statement moments after receiving the report, CS Murkomen lauded the committee for what he termed an exceptional job. He promised swift action to implement the recommendations fronted by the team.
"My Ministry is pleased with the final report of the committee and the implementation of some of the remedial measures suggested has already started in earnest," he said.
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In its recommendations, the committee chaired by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Director Eng. Walter Ogolla called for the recruitment of more personnel at KAA to bridge the human resource gap, which has been a long-standing challenge.
The team noted that KAA has been struggling with a disorganized and demoralized workforce with no clearly defined roles and succession plan.
The team also recommended a review of existing contracts in a bid to improve performance.
"The performance-based contracts that the report recommends will ensure accountability, high standards and value for taxpayer money," Murkomen stated.
He added, "We must insist on KAA embracing a maintenance culture and compliance with international standards and best practices."
The committee also emphasized the need to improve the condition of airport access roads, parking lots, passenger circulation and signage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport and Wilson Airport.
The team called for the improvement of the terminal building facilities, including replacing rusted and leaking roofs/ceilings, and overhauling power backup and water reticulation systems.
Murkomen assured that the government had started the process of revamping electro-mechanical systems, including installing new standby generators to provide primary backup and replacing old and defective screening equipment.
The team also recommended rehabilitation of runways that have shown serious surface defects and structural failures, improving airside and landside drainage systems and better manage overgrown vegetation and landscaped areas, strengthening luggage handling systems and passenger boarding bridges, modernising firefighting systems and improving security systems through fencing and screening.
Murlomen formed the committee in November following concerns from members of the public about the sorry state of the JKIA.
The airport has been in the headlines in recent weeks over leaking roofs and frequent power blackouts.
Murkomen and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed the mess on the former administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The CS told the press that the leaking roof at JKIA was a result of poor workmanship by the contractor and engineers who did renovations at Terminal 1C and 1 E.
Other members of the committee included Martin Wamae (State Department for Public Works), Richard Cherop (KCAA), Eng. Christine Nzai, Eng. Judith Kimeu (KAA), Eng. James Mbui (KAA), Architect Lawrence Mochama, attorney Sharon Asiyo and Eng. Fredrick Kabunge.
