FINANCE MINISTRY IN NAIROBI PROPOSES AND ADDED 6.4 BILLION IN NEXT BUDGET FOR AVIATION SECURITY
(Posted 02nd May 2014)
Information is emerging from Nairobi that in the forthcoming budget the government will set aside a further 6.4 billion Kenya Shillings to boost aviation security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and to improve facilities, at among other airports, in Malindi.
Much of the funding for Nairobi will go to upgrade the security fencing along the JKIA perimeter line, install added CCTV cameras and bring new equipment on line to improve screening. It could not be confirmed though it the initially planned single access point security for the new Terminal 4 will be implemented the way it was projected or if the conventional multi security check point system from Units 1, 2 and 3 will be maintained, a source for constant complaints by passengers who are subjected to multiple checks often in rapid succession. The new Terminal 4 should according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kamau be open within two months from now but inside information has cast doubts over the timely completion of the new terminal which, when open, will boost the JKIA capacity by several million passengers and allow for a full refurbishment and modernization of Units 2 and 3 which presently serve as international departure terminals.
Promised to start in the soon to end financial year 2013/14 the projects will now only commence when the new budget has been passed, after the Budget presentation will be made in early June, according to details received.
In a related development it was also learned that the proposed railway link between the existing commuter station of Syokimau and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport should see construction start in the next financial year too, which when operational will save travelers much time to reach the CBD and avoid the notorious traffic jams along the Mombasa highway and into the city via the Nyayo Stadium. Watch this space for breaking and regular aviation news from the Eastern African region.
