World Bank pumps Sh17.5 billion into Kenya’s transport sector

By Jackson Okoth

The World Bank has approved new funding for the emergency reconstruction of Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which suffered a major fire disaster last August.

 The Bank’s Executive Board of Directors said it had approved $203.5 million(Sh17.54 billion) additional financing for the Kenya Transport Sector Support Project (KTSSP) to support emergency activities and the ongoing expansion works at the airport in Nairobi.

The funding will also enable the Government to complete upgrading sections of the Northern and Western transport corridors.

Fire emergency

“The additional financing will support the government to restore operations at Kenya’s premier international airport and also to improve the preparedness of Kenya Airports Authority to respond to disasters such last year’s fire emergency,” said Diarietou Gaye, the Bank’s Country Director for Kenya.

 “It will also enable us to complete ongoing contracts for upgrading of the two major trade and transport corridors to facilitate regional trade and integration,” she added.

Under the new funding, a temporary international passenger arrivals terminal will be installed and terminal 4, under construction with World Bank funding, will be expanded to include permanent facilities for an international arrivals lounge.

The new funding from the Bank’s International Development Association will raise the total Bank financing for the KTSSP to $503.5 million.

“The increased funding will enable the government to continue with the expansion plan underway at JKIA, and also to complete the existing contracts,” said Josphat Sasia, the Project’s Task Team Leader.