Coastweek - - Transport Minister Hon. Chirau Ali Mwakwere has officially opened the newly renovated state of the art Terminal II at Moi International Airport Mombasa renovated at a cost of Ksh200 million.
The Minister, who was the chief guest, said that his Ministry would continue to facilitate bilateral air service agreements (BASAS) with other countries in order to bring in more airlines to Kenya and support the National Carrier.
He said that given the country's rapidly growing economy currently estimated at 5.8 per cent per annum the aviation industry was poised for rapid growth.
He added that when the current Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovations are complete the facility will have achieved category I status which would enable direct flights from Nairobi to the United States of America.
Speaking during the occasion, Kenya Airports Authority Man-aging Director George Muhoho said that the renovation of Moi International Airport coincided with the 35th IAAF World Athletic Cross Country Championship, Mombasa 2007.
This major sporting event was estimated to bring an estimated 100,000 passengers to the coastal city.
He added that the I.A.A.F. Cross Country Championship event would greatly boost the Mombasa and Kenyan economy at large.
Mr. Muhoho noted that over 90 per cent of visitors coming into Kenya use the country's airports hence Kenya Airports Authority passion to create the best impression to visitors to Kenya.
The refurbishment of terminal II includes: • An additional VIP lounge, • More parking bays, • An extra traffic lane at the entrance gate, • Canopies, • Repainting all the airport facilities, • Repairing of the roof for both terminal I and terminal II and • Street lighting within the airport.
Board Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said that KAA since inception in 1991, Kenya Airports Authority had the mandate to maintain and keep high standards of all the airport s and airstrips in the country.
The Authority is committed to spend Kshs.15 billion over the next 5 years to maintain various airports and airstrips all over the country.
He also said Kenya Airports Authority was proud to have sponsored the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships with Kshs.15 million as Kenya is synonymous with long distance running which has become a key tourist attraction to the country.
Source: Coastweek
SPECIAL REPORT BY DOMINIC NGIGI
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