The parliamentary committee created to monitor the funds allocated to the work of Kenya's airports has launched a serious alarm about the use of the many billions of shillings that the government has allocated for the enlargement or adaptation of many airports in the country, including Malindi for expenditure and possible yield stands out.
According to commission chairman David Pkosing, these funds have not yet been used at their best or have not been used at all. In the latter case, there is also the risk that the Parliament will ask for them to be returned and used for other works.
"They are money of the taxpayers and, as in the case of the airport of Isiolo have not seen the hoped-for effects - it has confirmed the commission to the media - we should not encourage works of extension of airports that will see to land few flights to the year, they are not wise choices".
For its part, the management of the Kenya Aviation Authority has defended the choice to use part of the funds to improve the infrastructure of certain airports, such as Isiolo, Malindi and Ukunda, and adapt them to international standards.
In a report presented to the Transport Committee of the National Assembly, the Government confirmed its intention to spend 5.7 billion shillings in Malindi airport to increase its capacity by strengthening and extending its runway and expanding the manoeuvring area so that it can land larger aircraft.
The intention is to bring the airport in a short time to the so-called "Code C" which means to accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 737, the Airbus A-320 and the Embraer ERJ190-100.
Aircraft suitable for international flights that can carry almost 200 passengers.
According to KAA CEO Jonny Andersen, the expansion will help to stimulate tourism and improve trade, as the facility will be able to receive direct international flights.
On Malindi the position of the parliamentarians is limited to shortening the time, while with regard to Isiolo the raising of shields has been on those who wanted the construction of an international airport where in fact they do not land planes and that has not brought any benefit to the local population, neither in economic terms nor in terms of employment. It must be said that the choice to invest in Isiolo was dictated by the project of the oil corridor that would connect Sudan and Ethiopia to the port of Lamu. This project has been slowed down by political-strategic problems.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator