The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has stepped up preparations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ahead of the expected El Niño rains, with measures aimed at protecting airport operations and nearby communities from possible flooding and other weather-related disruptions.
KAA Managing Director and CEO Moses Wekesa led key stakeholders in a briefing at JKIA, alongside General Manager for Projects and Engineering, Eng. Meshack Ochieng, and JKIA Airport Manager, Dr. Rose Koros.
The authority says it is inspecting and clearing drainage systems around the airport while also working with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Nairobi City County Government and other partners to rehabilitate damaged drainage channels.
Critical airport facilities are also being inspected, while emergency vehicles, equipment and communication systems are being tested to ensure they are ready to respond in case of heavy rains or flooding.
KAA is also reviewing access routes to the airport and conducting full-load blackout tests as part of efforts to strengthen the airport’s preparedness in the event of power disruptions.
Emergency equipment, including water pumps, is being positioned in areas considered vulnerable to flooding, while contingency plans have been activated and reviewed.
Beyond these immediate measures, KAA is working with Haskoning Engineering through the Government of the Netherlands to pilot Early Warning Systems. The systems are expected to improve flood preparedness by providing better situational awareness, interpretation of weather forecasts and support for operational planning.
The stakeholder engagement brought together airport partners to strengthen coordination and ensure a quicker response should heavy rains affect JKIA and surrounding areas.
KAA says it will continue working with government agencies, airport stakeholders and communities around JKIA to strengthen preparedness and minimize the impact of severe weather on airport operations and nearby residents.
