Leaders to block commissioning of airport over contention with KAA

A photo showing Isiolo International Airport passengers' terminal. It will be commissioned soon. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Tigania West MP David Karithi said the authority had promised to start construction of the new school late last year but has not done so.
  • The Isiolo International Airport has been given the greenlight to start operating, but only for domestic flights.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has been accused of delaying the relocation of a primary school from the vicinity of Isiolo international airport despite allocation of funds for the move.

KK Nkengecia Primary School in Meru County is located under the flight path, which is about one kilometre from the runway.

Despite the school's management acquiring a 15-acre piece of land and the government releasing Sh80 million last year, KAA is yet to award a contract for construction of classrooms.

Tigania West MP David Karithi said the authority had promised to start construction of the new school late last year but has not done so.

Mr Karithi said local leaders would not allow the commissioning of the airport by President Uhuru Kenyatta, planned for early this year, if the facilities are not put up.

"Our stand is that the airport cannot start operations until KAA relocates KK Nkengecia Primary School.

"The KAA officials have not been accessible to brief us on the progress of construction of the school," Mr Karithi said.

He said those living around the airport were compensated in 2013.

Mr Jackson Aburuki, the deputy head teacher, said the community donated the piece of land but KAA said it wants to be supplied with a title deed before it begins works.

OPERATE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

"They have committed to build 20 classrooms comprising baby class, nursery unit and class one to eight as well as a library and offices. They will also fence and drill a borehole within the school," Mr Aburuki said.

In September last year, Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera gave the contractor two months to complete the project to pave way for its commissioning by the President.

Meanwhile, the Isiolo International Airport has been given the greenlight to start operating, but only for domestic flights.

The team organising the launch is made up of officials from the Kenya Airports Authority and the county security. The Sh2.7 billion airport is expected to unlock economic opportunities in the region.

The team expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the contractor addressed issues that delayed the airport’s official opening.

However, it is concerned with the invasion of elephants at the airport.

“There is need for an electric fence to keep the animals away,” said Isiolo County chief George Natembeya.

Mr Natembeya said unfinished patches that delayed its opening had been addressed.

Airport manager Mohamed Lippi said employment would be in accordance with the guidelines of the authority. Earlier, Governor Godana Doyo had demanded that 70 per cent of jobs at the airport be given to locals.