The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a warning to the contractor responsible for Terminal 1c of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following the circulation of videos on Friday evening depicting leakages within the terminal.
Henry Ogoye, the Acting Managing Director of KAA, addressed the issue on social media, attributing the leakages to recent damage to infrastructure installed by the contractor.
“The heavy rainfall in Nairobi over the past few days has negatively affected the temporary drainage infrastructure set up by the contractor on site, resulting in the current leakages observed at the terminal,” a portion of the statement read.
KAA disclosed that they have already initiated construction efforts to rectify the roof leakages. Ogoye stated, “In response to the directive from the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Honorable Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has begun the process to address roof leakages at Terminals 1B and 1C of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).”
“The works began in March 2024 and are expected to last for three (3) months,” Ogoye added.
In light of the terminal leakages, KAA instructed the contractor to expedite construction to prevent further damage to equipment and inconvenience to passengers.
“We are actively managing this situation as construction progresses, and the contractor has been instructed to adhere to the agreed-upon schedule,” stated the authority.
KAA reiterated its dedication to providing top-notch service to JKIA customers.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding. KAA remains steadfast in maintaining the highest service standards,” the statement concluded.
This development follows a recent public disagreement between Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and journalist Larry Madowo regarding the state of JKIA.
Murkomen criticized Madowo for ’embarrassing’ the country by sharing videos of the airport’s condition, particularly during rainy seasons.
“I noticed Larry filming at the airport. It amused me because Larry has been in the country for the past 50 years while the airport has been in that condition. Suddenly, because he lives abroad, his eyes are opened, and he realizes there is no shelter when you exit JKIA. It happens to all of us when we travel,” Murkomen expressed on X (formerly Twitter).
In response, Madowo shared screenshots of Murkomen’s previous tweets when he was a senator, expressing discontent over mishaps experienced at JKIA, including flooding in certain areas.
