The concerns come at a time when the government is putting focus on expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), raising questions about whether other airports are being neglected.
Osotsi Raises Safety Concerns at Wilson Airport
Speaking in Parliament on March 12, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi warned that the condition of Wilson Airport, one of the country’s most important and busiest airports, is worrying.
He said the airport has continued to deteriorate despite playing a major role in domestic travel, medical emergencies, pilot training, and tourism.
Osotsi said several key facilities at Wilson Airport are in poor condition and urgently need attention. These include the runway, drainage systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, air traffic control systems, and power backup facilities.
He questioned how the airport can continue to operate safely when such critical systems are worn out or unreliable.
“What we are talking about here is something very, very serious,” the Senator said, warning that lives could be at risk if the situation is not addressed.
He asked the government to explain what it is doing to fix the problems through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). He also demanded clear answers on whether the airport still meets the safety standards required for aviation operations.
The Senator further raised concerns over the increasing number of tall buildings around Wilson Airport. He said some of the buildings are higher than allowed and pose a danger to aircraft during take‑off and landing.
In addition, Osotsi asked the government to provide clear timelines for when unsafe buildings near the airport’s flight paths will be removed and to present details on recent air incidents reported around Wilson Airport.
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Runway Repairs Raise More Questions
On his part, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute rose to support the concerns, saying the situation at Wilson Airport is already affecting operations. Speaking in the Senate plenary session on Thursday, Chute said one of the runways has been under repair and that the pace of the work has raised questions.
According to the Senator, the repairs have caused challenges for pilots and flights using the airport.
“It is time we ask the management of that institution to come before the committee and explain to this country what is happening,” Sen. Chute said. He called for accountability from those in charge of the airport.
The Senator also urged lawmakers to visit Wilson Airport and JKIA in person to see the situation for themselves rather than relying solely on reports. He further suggested that the government should consider relocating Wilson Airport in the long term, arguing that development around the airport cannot be stopped.
“There are buildings that have come up there, and you cannot stop development,” he said, adding that the land could be used for other projects if the airport is moved.
Encroachment and Poor Management Blamed
Mombasa County Senator, Mohamed Faki, also commented on the Airport, saying the problems facing Wilson Airport are not unique and blamed the Kenya Airports Authority for poor management. He said similar issues are being experienced at other airports across the country, pointing to a lack of action despite repeated complaints.
He raised serious concerns about encroachment around Wilson Airport, saying that some developments have blocked roads intended for emergency use.
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According to Faki, this could make it difficult to evacuate passengers in the event of an accident.
“In the event of an emergency, evacuating passengers will be a problem because some of those roads have been closed,” Sen. Faki warned.
‘A Disaster Waiting to Happen’
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also described the situation at Wilson Airport as extremely dangerous, warning that it could lead to a serious accident if ignored. He cited slow runway repairs, weak security checks, and the presence of high‑rise buildings near the airport as major risks.
“There are so many things that are wrong with Wilson Airport, and anyone using it should be concerned about their safety,” Cheruiyot said.
Wilson Airport is Kenya’s oldest airport and the third busiest after the JKIA and Moi International Airport. It plays a key role in domestic travel, medical evacuations, pilot training, charter flights, and tourism.
Lawmakers urged the government to clearly outline its plans to repair, expand, and modernize the airport, warning that continued neglect could have serious consequences for safety and the aviation industry.
KAA Update on Wilson Airport Repairs
In an update on March 8, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) reaffirmed its commitment to expediting the ongoing renovation works at Wilson Airport.
KAA explained that the repair works are being undertaken in phases to ensure minimal disruption to the airport’s daily operations.
“The enhancement programme at Wilson Airport includes phased runway repairs aimed at strengthening operational resilience while ensuring minimal disruption to daily airport operations, supporting Kenya’s dynamic and growing aviation sector,” KAA stated after an inspection tour that brought together leaders in the transport and aviation sectors.
