Kenya airport runways remain safe and operational, KCAA assures

Africa, Business

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) —The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has reaffirmed that airport runways across the country remain safe and fully operational, even as the tendering process for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) nears completion. JKIA, last rehabilitated in 2016, has faced congestion during peak hours, affecting its runway system and passenger terminals.

Speaking at the 7th EAC Aviation Symposium in Mombasa, organised by the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), KCAA Acting Director General Nicholas Bodo said the Ministry of Transport is intensifying efforts to strengthen aviation safety and security. He explained that the expansion project will include runway upgrades, a partial parallel taxiway, and rapid exit taxiways to reduce runway occupancy time and improve efficiency.

Bodo stressed that infrastructure, especially runways, must be maintained to proper standards to ensure passenger safety. He noted that JKIA’s current terminal was designed for 7.5 million passengers annually but now handles 8.6 million, creating capacity constraints. Plans are underway to expand the existing terminal and build a new one capable of handling 10 million passengers annually.

The Acting DG also highlighted the shortage of aviation professionals, calling for a regional training fund to support pilots and engineers. He backed harmonisation of aviation regulations across East Africa, saying it would allow operators to function more seamlessly within the region.

CASSOA Acting Executive Director Francis Lichuma said the agency has made progress in harmonising aviation regulations among partner states, including unified safety standards and examination systems. He explained that pilots across the region now sit for the same exams, aligning with the wider EAC vision of integration.

KCAA Chairman Brown Ondego emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, noting that air transport remains the safest mode of travel due to strict regulation. He said harmonised legislation and technical guidance would further strengthen safety across East Africa’s airspace.