CS installs Sh200m weather equipment in readiness for US direct flights

ELDORET, KENYA: Non-stop flights from Kenya to United States airports could soon commence after a third automatic weather observation system was commissioned in Eldoret.

Speaking while commissioning the system at Moi International Airport, Environment Cabinet Secretary Professor Judy Wakhungu said the country has made strides in fulfilling conditions given by US authorities before the plans can be implemented. 

She noted that as per the requirements provided to the aviation sector through the Meteorological Services, the government has fulfilled some of the deliverables that would make the plans viable.

"One of the variables provided under the department of environment was the automation of weather observation systems and as a government we are glad that we have installed them in Jomo Kenyatta, Kisumu and Eldoret airports," she noted.

The automation for JKIA took place in May while Eldoret and Kisumu systems were commissioned on Wednesday, in an operation overseen by Vaisala Company from Finland.

According to the CS, a total cost of Sh200 million went into the improvement of the systems aimed at promoting efficiency.

The visit to the country by former USA president Barrack Obama in 2015 fired up efforts to make the direct flights a reality.

Early this year, the country received a safety certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation