Kibaki sets off Sh9b JKIA expansion
By Andrew Teyie - East African Standard
President Kibaki has commissioned the expansion programme of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which will cost of Sh9 billion.
The President, who was the chief guest during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project yesterday at JKIA, also announced expansion of Kisumu, Wilson, Malindi, Isiolo and Wajir airports into ultra modern facilities to boost investment in respective areas.
The President said expansion of JKIA will ease congestion, raise cargo volumes and elevate Kenya to Category One status of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
"It is gratifying to note that the expansion and modernisation of facilities is not a short term measure, but projected to serve the needs of customers up to the year 2024," stated President Kibaki.
The expansion project will end in 2009. It includes construction of Unit 4, associated parking aprons and taxi ways, and ring walkways and ramps for separation of arriving and departing passengers.
Others are construction of a car park, two infill buildings, expansion of unit three, renovation and Improvement of arrival building, units one and two terminals, Landscaping and roadwork’s around the terminal.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director, Mr George Muhoho, said the project will take three phases
A Chinese contractor, Wu Yi will construct the first phase to last ten months ending in June next year. This consists of a new apron, taxiways, and an extended fuel hydrant system associated with the proposed Unit 4 terminal building.
The second phase starts in February 2007, and will last for 18 months. It involves construction of Unit 4 and an ultra modern three-storey car park to accommodate a total of 1,500 cars and a grade parking for 400 cars.
The final phase starts in March next year. Under this phase, renovations on unit 1,2, 3 and international arrivals building will be carried out as well as two in fills and an additional floor on top of the current unit 3.
World Bank Country Director, Collin Bruce said out of Sh9 billion (US$ 120 million), the Bank donated US$ 35 million. The President was accompanied by Ministers Mukhisa Kituyi, John Munyes and Amos Kimunya. Mr Kimunya represented Mr Chirau Mwakwere, who is mourning his brother, the late Captain Gakweli Warrakah.
Kibaki said passenger traffic at JKIA increased from 3.5 million to 4.4 million in 2004 while the amount of cargo rose from 192,300 tonnes in 2004 to 220,900 tonnes in 2005.
"The achievements have significantly improved the revenue base of the authority from Sh3 billion in 2004 to Sh5.3 billion last year," Kibaki said.
The President noted that expansion of Kisumu, Malindi, Wilson, Isiolo and Wajir airports will allow planes to fly and take off directly from airports to boast investment.
He singled out Kisumu airport, which he noted will be handling larger planes. When finalised, the new Kisumu Airport will facilitate cargo to be airlifted directly to regional markets, thereby creating investment opportunities, jobs and stimulating economic growth.
"It will open up the Western Kenya region to investors in various sub sector of the economy and in particular, the development of Western Kenya tourism circuit, fisheries and agriculture," Kibaki said.
The President said safety at Airports was paramount. He commended KAA, and law enforcement agencies for improving security at the airports.
