Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen forms committee to assess state of Kenyan airports

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. [File, Standard]

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has formed an expert committee to assess the state of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson and Moi airports.

This comes hours after a video of a leaking roof at JKIA emerged online, causing a national uproar.

In a statement to journalists on Wednesday evening. Murkomen said the team will deliver an interim report in 14 days, and then submit its final report in another two weeks.

“Today to deal with this issue, and in a comprehensive manner, I have formed a committee to investigate the status of our airports, and in particular Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson International Airport, and Moy International Airport Mombasa,” Murkomen has said.

“The terms of reference of the committee will be one to assess the state of infrastructure facilities to assess since the state of electro-mechanical facilities three to review the works undertaken in the last two years by contractors and for to identify immediate remedial measures to be undertaken,”

According to Murkomen, the committee will have an in-depth look at the issues in the airports and offer a lasting solution.

“I did this because I didn't want any further knee-jerk reactions. I wondered about something comprehensive. I have reported that there are certain concerns with a more international airport in Mombasa and also very serious concerns at Wilson Airport. And therefore I wanted to address this comprehensively,” he explained.

The CS has appointed Eng. Walter Ogolla (Director-KPA Board) to chair the committee.

Other members are Mr George Ngugi and Retire Major Nepe Iltasayon both KPA Board members, Quantity Surveyor Martin Wamae (Ministry of Lands and Public Works), Richard Cherop (Kenya Civil Aviation Authority), Engineer Christine Nzai (Ministry of Roads and Transport), Engineer Judith Kimeu (KAA), Engineer James Mbui (KPA), . Also within the Kenya ports authority, architect Lawrence Mochama (Chief Architect Public Works) Sharon Asio (Attorney General's office) and Engineer Frederick Kabuga from the State Department of Transport.

“The committee will call other members as may be necessary,” Murkomen said.