Kenya allocated a whopping Sh1.8 billion for renovation and infrastructural development of 24 airports and airstrips across the country during 2018-19. However, the progress of the work belies the expectations. On top of it, in the current year also an allotment at Sh1.4 billion has been set apart for the renovation of 10 airstrips. But economic commentators are questioning whether such allocation is economically justifiable when the practically very less work is done at the grassroots.
There are experts who question the economic value of the projects, when some of the airports are not operational or such airports which are operational, the passenger traffic and air services are not adequate. The data that has been presented during the parliamentary meetings indicate that some airports, which are built after spending huge resources are economically non –viable projects. In such situations, the question being asked is: should taxpayers be burdened with such financially unviable projects.
The National Assembly’s Transport Committee, during a recent meeting with Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) officials, has been told that Isiolo airstrip is nonoperational despite having allocated Sh300 million in 2018-2019. A further allocation of Sh350 million has been made in the current financial year for upgrading the facilities further. Also, the Parliamentarians representing the constituencies, where the airports are situated say that the airports do not create any local employment. Most of the people for civil aviation operations are employed from other areas.
There is an overwhelming opinion that though many of these operations and new airports may not be financially feasible now, they signal the growth of the aviation sector in the future and pave the way for setting up business units taking advantage of the improved logistics. Relevance of any infrastructural project should be seen against the future requirements and not to be assessed by the present demand and supply.
