Build airstrips in 47 Counties, House team urges KAA

A parliamentary committee has urged the Kenya Airports Authority to build airstrips in the 47 Counties.

The Transport, Public Works and Housing committee led by chairman Maina Kamanda told KAA managing director Stephen Gichuki to liaise with governors to implement the ambitious project.

"Governors should secure land where there is none for the construction of the facility,” Mr Kamanada said Thursday when his team toured Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to inspect the on-going expansion works.

The 29-member committee said it was happy with the progress of construction work but urged the contractor to speed up the project.

The multi-billion shillings project is being implemented in seven phases. The team was taken round by KAA head of engineering Philemon Chamwanda, general manager Eric Kiraithe and officials Francis Ngigi and Betty Kamande.

Mr Ngigi said the construction of Terminal 4, which includes a multi-storey car park capable of holding 1,500 vehicles and grade parking with 400 slots is expected to be complete by September.

"Work on the terminal is currently 88 per cent complete," said Mr Ngigi.

A passenger apron remote stand, whose construction is at 68pc, is expected to be completed in November.

Senior citizens

The MPs took issue with the mistreatment of VIPs including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at airports countrywide.

They said senior citizens including former president Moi, Mr Odinga, former vice presidents Kalonzo Musyoka and Moody Awori and former MPs should be given special treatment and allowed access to VIP lounges.

The MPs proposed that the leaders be issued with special identification cards to ease their access at the airports.

Mr Gichuki promised to look into the matter but sounded a warning.

"KAA must be keen as such a move could result to downgrading of Kenyan status by the The International Air Transport Association (IATA)," he said.