- Senator Abass seeks clarity on Wajir Airport’s ongoing military control.
- Calls for full commercialisation to boost Northern Kenya’s economy.
- Questions KAA’s lack of operational oversight at the airport.
- Raises concerns over poor public access and limited transport options.
- Urges construction of a separate civilian terminal and entrance.
Senator Mohammed Abass has sought a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on the commercialisation and public accessibility of Wajir Airport.
The Senator noted that while Wajir Airport is officially designated for civilian use, it continues to operate primarily as a military airbase under the strict control of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). This military-centric management, he said, has resulted in significant challenges for the general public in accessing the facility with restrictions that have severely curtailed the airport’s potential to serve as a commercial gateway for Northern Kenya.
Senator Abass emphasised that the full commercialisation of Wajir Airport is crucial for the economic development of Wajir County and the broader Northern Kenya region. However, the current arrangement, where the airport remains under full military control, stands as a critical bottleneck that urgently needs to be addressed.
In his request, the Senator urged the Committee to provide clarity on why Wajir Airport continues to operate under military command despite ongoing efforts to transition it into a fully functional civilian and commercial facility.
He questioned why the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) does not have full operational oversight, particularly in the management of civilian passenger entry and exit and raised concerns over the lack of essential infrastructure to support public access and mobility in and around the airport.
He further pointed out the inadequacy of the current transport arrangements, highlighting that only one bus operated by KAA is available to ferry passengers to and from the airport. This service, he said, is grossly insufficient given the increasing volume of users. He revealed that the continued prohibition of public vehicles from dropping off or picking up passengers at the facility often leaves travellers stranded and inconvenienced.
Sen. Abass appealed to the Committee to outline the government’s plans, if any, to construct a separate civilian entrance, terminal and apron independent of KDF-managed zones, in a bid to ease passenger movement and enhance public access to the airport.
