CS Murkomen dismisses Larry Madowo's video on JKIA, promises new airport terminal by 2027

Speaking on Citizen TV's Monday report evening show, CS Murkomen noted that the airport is in dire need of a facelift and plans to effect the changes are already underway.

He has promised that before the next General Election, in 2027, Kenyans will be enjoying a gold-standard airport.

"Our thinking is to get private sector investment to come in and build a new terminal. By the time we are going into the next elections, you will have a new terminal at least complete or almost complete that will make JKIA a more competitive airport with facilities that are enviable and make us an aviation hub," he said.

He also responded to a video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo which showed how passengers are being rained due to the lack of shade and are forced to maneuver paddles of water as parts of the walkways were flooded.

"What is this, how embarrassing is this for an international airport? We can do better," said Madowo in the video posted on April 10.

Murkomen scoffed at the video saying that the situation has been the same since the airport was constructed and Madowo is only complaining because he has had the privilege of travelling and has seen better airports.

"I saw one of your friends taking videos saying that people are rained on when they exit and I was laughing because Larry was with us in the country for the last 50 years but suddenly because he lives in 'majuu' (abroad) his eyes are opened and has realised there is no shade," he said.

"Those questions should have been asked since 1978 it is not news that JKIA does not have a canopy to shield passengers."

JKIA has been on the receiving end as Kenyans repeatedly express their frustrations over the dilapidated state of the airport.

In 2023, massive leakages were witnessed in one of the terminals as the country experienced heavy rains.

Similarly, the airport experienced several blackouts because the international airport faced generator response delays.

Promising a satisfactory facelift, even using biblical connotation, Murkomen has since said all his critics would praise him in three years when this action plan is realised.