Land grabbing stalls airport expansion

By PHILIP MWAKIO

Mombasa County: Transport Principal Secretary Nduva Muli says the grabbing of land belonging to Moi International Airport, Mombasa, has stalled plans to expand the facility.

The PS said on Friday that the grabbers should be evicted and prosecuted.

“We are today directing those who have encroached on airport land to vacate on their own accord  before unspecified action is taken against them,’’ Muli who was flanked by the airport’s manager Yatich Kangogo said.

He spoke when he led a high powered delegation on a routine inspection of the facility to ascertain its safety, security and efficiency.

Reports show that 20-30 per cent of the airport’s 500 acres have been hived off illegally.

“We cannot allow these illegal acquisitions  and encroachments to continue. Airports planned expansion and access has greatly been hindered by all this,’’Muli said.

He said the Kenya Airport Authority has full control over all land belonging to airports.

‘’There is no compromise. Any developer should ensure that he does not encroach on airport land ,’’ he said.

He at the same time revealed that a regional infrastructure conference that will culminate in a summit of the East African Heads of State will be held next week in  Mombasa.

Accelerate growth

“It will be an important meeting that seeks to consolidate infrastructural development to support intra-boundary trade and accelerate economic  development in the region,’’ the PS said.

In the meantime, players in the tourism industry want urgent action taken to make the road to the airport more motorable.

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman Mohamed Hersi said the road is usually congested, with heavy commercial vehicles parked on both sides.

‘’Passengers arriving or accessing the airport have had to endure long hours on the road due to blockage by heavy commercial vehicles,’’ Hersi, who is also the Regional General Manager of Sarova Hotels, Coast Region, said.