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{
    "id": 1552844,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552844/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 173,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "with key findings outlined. The airstrip perimeter fence has been vandalised, leading to unrestricted access by both people and animals thereby compromising operational safety. With respect to the runway, the pavement has experienced significant erosion and the presence of overgrown vegetation poses a hazard to aircraft operations. Additionally, gullies and shrubs have encroached the runway strip, further affecting its usability. There are overhead power lines by Kenya Power Company (KP) transmission lines across the main approach path of runway, creating a potential safety risk for aircrafts on final approach. The airstrip has been repurposed as a dumping site by the surrounding community, which further deteriorates the integrity of the aerodrome infrastructure. There is also encroachment by human settlement in close proximity to the airstrip. The perimeter fence is situated approximately 30 metres from the runway centreline and the primary access route to several homes passes through the airstrip land, further compromising safety and security. Given these challenges, corrective measures are required to restore the airstrip operational safety and integrity. With respect to Turbi Airstrip, it is also a Code C aerodrome located in Turbi, Marsabit County. It has a gravel runway measuring 1.07 kilometres in length and 20 metres width and can accommodate aircrafts with passengers up to 13 persons. Although the airstrip is also not under the management of KAA, the Authority has conducted an assessment of its current condition, highlighting several critical concerns. Like Sololo Airstrip, there is damage on the runway with deep gullies from erosions and service runoffs, making it partially unusable. There is encroachment due to settlement. Livestock, motorbikes, and pedestrians freely access the airstrip due to lack of fencing. A six-metre building, a 12-metre power line, and a raised road of 50 metres from the threshold obstruct safe aircraft operation. Overgrown shrubs, boulders and unmaintained vegetation pose a safety hazard. With respect to infrastructure, there is a vandalised perimeter fence and overhead KP power lines across the main approach which increase risk. The current condition of Sololo and Turbi airstrips have made them unsafe for use due to safety concerns, inadequate infrastructure and non-compliance with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulations as I have outlined. In response, the Ministry, through its implementing agency KAA, has initiated a technical assessment to determine the necessary scope of rehabilitation. Based on the findings, a phased rehabilitation plan will be developed through targeted budgetary allocation. The upgrade of these airstrips is not contained in the current financial year budget since the rehabilitation remains dependent on availability of funding. Let me say this, given the vastness of Marsabit and the mode of access to the county, I will personally pay attention to ensure we do make these two facilities usable by ensuring that we work on budgetary allocation. Regarding whether there are plans to relocate the airstrips, and if so, we provide a timeline for the same, currently there are no approved plans for relocation of Sololo and Turbi airstrips. However, if assessments indicate that the current locations present long- term safety, operational or land-use challenges, relocation may be considered as an alternative. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}