Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi experienced significant disruptions recently due to heavy rainfall.
The incident exposes the ongoing infrastructure challenges at the airport, particularly in Terminal 1C which handles international flights. Leaking roofs have caused flooding in baggage claim areas forcing a suspension of operations and leaving passengers stranded. Airport staff scramble to contain the water using makeshift measures. This event has sparked criticism from Kenyans with media personality Larry Madowo drawing attention to the lack of covered walkways for passengers navigating the airport.
He questions why the government has not addressed this issue given previous instances of similar problems. In response, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, has taken a defensive stance. While acknowledging the situation, he downplays its significance and criticizes Madowo for neglecting to highlight past shortcomings during his time residing in Kenya.
“I saw Larry taking videos at the airport. I was laughing because Larry was with us in the country for the last 50 years when that airport was like that. Suddenly because he lives in ‘majuu’ his eyes are open and realizes that there is no shade when you exit JKIA,” Says Murkomen.
President William Ruto, during the launch of the Medium Term Plan in March, announced plans to construct a new terminal capable of handling up to 20 million passengers annually. While the project hinges on the completion of a feasibility study, it represents a significant step towards addressing capacity constraints and enhancing the overall passenger experience at JKIA. This new terminal has the potential to elevate the airport’s status within the global aviation industry.
Murkomen has issued a stern advisory to motorists, urging them to exercise utmost caution while navigating the treacherous conditions on the roads. His call for vigilance extends beyond drivers as he implores all Kenyans to remain cognizant of the potential hazards posed by the floods while utilizing the nation’s road networks. The CS acknowledges the severity of the situation and reassures the public that his ministry, in close collaboration with relevant state agencies, is actively implementing measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of the floods.
Larry Markel is a government…
Larry Markel is a government apologist.
It was only a matter of time before government apologists began to apologize for their apologies.
So Markonen has no solution…
So Markonen has no solution to this problem that’s already 2 years old!
Instead he’s attacking a private citizen just to score some cheap points with his supporters!
This just confirms over the millionth time again that you can pick your friends to run government entities, but their inexperience will always overshadow anything you try to accomplish as a leader!
He has no qualifications to run a “duka” let alone a ministry!!
Very shameful for these…
Very shameful for these roofs have been leaking since Ruto became the president. What does Murkomen do except stealing?? Kenya munashida mingi sana!
Seriously, after all the…
Seriously, after all the billions were spent on upgrading the airport?
As Kenyans we need our money back.
Wajinga wa muisho. Roof…
Wajinga wa muisho. Roof repairs should last at least a good 20 years. But in order to maximize eating, you make the leak last for ever.