By Fredrick Obura
President Kibaki has directed speedy completion of the multi-billion shilling expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Kibaki said any further delay of the new airport terminal was likely to hurt other development targets linked to Vision 2030 development goals.
President Kibaki (left), unveils KQ Rights Issue share price when he officially launched the offer at KICC, Nairobi. With him are the KQ board Chairman, Evanson Mwaniki (right), and Titus Naikuni, the airlineâs Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
"I am calling upon the ministry and the authorities in charge to move fast and complete JKIA expansion project. It would help the airport become a hub of choice and compete well with others within and outside the continent," he said.
The expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport is expected to enable the facility handle nine million visitors per year by 2013, up from the current 2.5 million.
It would further see the construction of a new terminal as well as a multi-storied garage to handle the excess traffic anticipated in the next two years, as tourist numbers continue to rise.
In June 2010, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) received a loan of Sh15.5 billion for the expansion of the international airport.
"We cannot afford further delays, and we need to move with the rest of the world," he said.
Kibaki suggested that the authorities could explore other options including working with the private sector to fast track the expansion.
The head of State was speaking during the launch of Kenya Airways right issue in Nairobi yesterday.
Speaking during the launch, Evanson Mwaniki, the airlineâs chairman also warned that any delays in JKIAâs expansion would jeopardise the airlineâs ambitious growth strategy, which involves growing its fleet.
