NAIROBI, Kenya, June 27 – The Government plans to rehabilitate and modernise Wilson Airport to address aging infrastructure, improve safety and expand capacity at Kenya’s busiest domestic airport.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing, Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika said the airport’s facilities have come under strain as it increasingly handles larger aircraft than it was originally designed to accommodate.
She said the ongoing rehabilitation of Runway 07/25 includes resurfacing works, while Runway 14/32 will undergo widening, pavement strengthening and extension once the current works are completed to enhance operational safety.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has also secured funding to rehabilitate taxiways and aircraft parking aprons, many of which have deteriorated over time. Construction of an additional taxiway is also underway.
Mbaika told senators that a new master plan for Wilson Airport is in its final stages and will guide the airport’s long-term expansion.
The plan includes construction of a new passenger terminal to replace the existing facility, which was designed to handle about 20,000 passengers annually but now serves nearly 800,000 passengers each year.
She said despite the aging infrastructure, the airport’s critical safety systems, including air traffic control, backup power and Category 5 fire and rescue services, remain operational.
The government also raised concern over the growth of high-rise developments around the airport, saying buildings in South C, Nairobi West and Lang’ata have encroached into protected flight paths.
According to Mbaika, authorities have identified several structures that exceed approved height limits and pose potential risks to aircraft during take-off and landing.
She said regulatory action will be taken against developments found to be in breach of aviation safety requirements.
The PS also told the committee that investigations into recent aircraft incidents, including the March 20 Safarilink accident at Wilson Airport, are ongoing, with recommendations expected to inform future safety improvements.
The Senate session followed a request for a statement by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who sought clarification on the airport’s safety after being involved in an aircraft accident during landing at Wilson Airport.
