City airport ‘won’t be closed’

The scene of two aircraft that were involved in an accident at Wilson Airport Apron Area in Nairobi Saturday, July 25, 2009. Transport assistant minister Harun Mwau on Wednesday told the House that the reports of closure were non-existent since all the buildings around the airport had complied with the building code. Photo/PETER CHEGE

What you need to know:

  • Ministry denies Wilson closure reports and says structures comply with building code

Reports that Kenya's Wilson Airport is about to close down due to security threats posed by encroachment have been dismissed.

Transport assistant minister Harun Mwau on Wednesday told the House that the reports of closure were non-existent since all the buildings around the airport had complied with the building code.

Besides, he said, more money had been allocated in this year’s Budget to modernise the airfield. Mr Mwau said all the landowners had put up their buildings at a safe distance and had genuine title deeds.

Cleared the air

But even as the ministry cleared the air over the issue, the Wilson Airport Aircraft Operators Committee has claimed that at least 12 illegal structures had been developed in areas meant for the expansion of the 75-year-old airport with the full knowledge of Kenya Airports Authority.

Also, the International Civil Aviation Organisation says the airport has failed in security standards, because the numerous structures around it pose a serious threat to the safety of planes, crew, passengers, residents and grounds men and women.

And Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale (New Ford Kenya) alleged that one of the buildings belonged to a Cabinet minister and that was the reason why the government was reluctant to take steps to secure the airport.

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara (CCU) linked the recent crash of a light aircraft, at Highrise Estate, to the multi-storied buildings being built so close to the flight path.

Mr Imanyara said that over 50 protest letters had been sent to the Ministry seeking to have the construction outlawed. But, the minister denied knowledge of the protest notes.

Wajir East MP Abdirahman Hassan asked the minister to revoke all land titles near the airport and compensate the owners. This, the MP said, was one of the steps to enhance the safety of the airfield.

But outside Parliament, political impunity was blamed for the encroachment on the airport.

Colonel (rtd) Eutycus Waithaka, the Kenya Association of Air Operators chief executive, said the shacks popping up near the airport’s runway have become disastrous to planes.

However, Mr Waithaka who was quick to vouch for Wilson Airport’s safety, warned that that would not be the case by the end of the year. “We cannot operate in the restricted runway area alone, the new buildings are choking us,” he said.

The former air force pilot discussed the controversial development around the airport and its effects on flight safety during an interview with the Nation.

“God forbid. It’s a question of when an aircraft crashes, not if it will,” he said from his office at the East African Aero Club at Wilson Airport.