Construction works to rehabilitate Moi International Airport’s (MIAs) aircraft pavements and Airfield Ground Lighting systems (AGL) funded by French Development Agency a Sh7 billion facility is on course for completion.

The project had been by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) Ag. Managing Director, Alex Gitari noted that the works, which were originally meant to be completed in December last year were delayed and pushed to March 2021, due to the Covid-19 health protocols.

The mitigation measures (curfew) put in place reduced construction hours.  

“The Moi International Airport’s rehabilitation works will ensure that all pavements offer safe operations to aircraft and avoidance of operational delays and disruptions occasioned by poor airfield ground lighting, “said Gitari

The rehabilitation of MIA will involve replacing the existing AGL systems and all approach lighting masts from steel to fiberglass.

The upgraded pavements will have a sustainable maintenance regime to keep the runway and aprons in good condition throughout the 20 years design life, and also ensure the airport land is neither undermined, nor destroyed due to unstable ground.

It will also enhance MIA’s green rating through rainwater water harvesting.

Mr Gitari also inspected the construction progress at Ukunda Airport. The Authority is rehabilitating the Ukunda aerodrome’s security and Mkwakwani Primary School fences.

Ukunda Airport has in recent past seen growth in passenger numbers, necessitating introduction of larger planes. It is served by Jambojet, Air Kenya, Safari link, Fly 540, Aeronav and a number of private charters.

“Passenger numbers have rapidly grown from 55,207 in 2014/15 to 175,460 in be 2017/18, reflecting an overall growth of 240 per cent, in 4 years “said Gitari.

The Coast projects inspection tour is part of a country wide exercise in which Kenya Airports Authority Management is inspecting the ongoing infrastructural projects.