The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has been pressured into action after a video surfaced online showing significant water leaks at Terminals 1B and 1C of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), alongside reports of KAA staff abandoning their posts.

The video, which went viral on social media, sparked public outrage and prompted a swift response from KAA.



In a statement released Friday, KAA acknowledged the leakages and attributed them to ongoing works aimed at addressing the longstanding issue.

According to KAA, the repairs which commenced in March 2024 are expected to be completed within three months.

However, the recent downpours have exposed shortcomings in the temporary drainage systems installed by the contractor, leading to the leaks and disruptions captured in the video.

"Over the last few days, the heavy rainfall in Nairobi has adversely impacted on the temporary drainage infrastructure put by the contractor on site, resulting in the current leakages being experienced at the terminal," admitted Henry Ogoye, Ag. Managing Director, KAA.

KAA has moved to address the situation and has emphasized that the contractor has been instructed to expedite the completion of the works and hopefully minimize further disruptions.

"This is being mitigated as works progress and the contractor has been instructed to complete the works on schedule," KAA said.

As Kenya's primary gateway, the resilience of JKIA's infrastructure is crucial for ensuring seamless travel experiences and upholding the city's reputation as a regional hub.

Kenyans eagerly anticipate swift and effective resolutions to alleviate the distress caused by the leakages, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the welfare of all stakeholders.