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{
"id": 1552845,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552845/?format=api",
"text_counter": 174,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Any such decision will be based also on provision of alternative land by the County Government of Marsabit, site reconnaissance, including aeronautical studies of the alternative proposed land, geotechnical and environmental impact studies. Consultation with stakeholders, including KAA, KCAA, Kenya Meteorological Department, the County Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and security agencies are ongoing, and of course, budgetary provision within the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework. Timelines for any relocation, if deemed necessary, will be provided once the feasibility studies are completed. On the third question, let me just respond to the question without reciting it. A comprehensive surveillance and safety assessment of airstrips in Marsabit was conducted by the KCAA from 28th October to 2nd November, 2024. The assessment aimed to evaluate the safety status of aerodromes to ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations and the authority manual of aerodrome standards. The key finding is that Marsabit Airstrip runway measures 1.1 kilometres in length and 16 metres wide, with a bitumen serviced runway which is significantly worn out due to erosion and inadequate drainage. The runway is dilapidated with loose bubbles indicating a lack of proper maintenance programme. The runway width of 16 metres falls short of the required 23 metres for a Code 2 runway. The airstrip is frequently used as a children’s playground by the local community and Kiwanja Ndege Primary School. There is land encroachment by Kiwanja Ndege Primary School, the chief office and a dispensary built on the airstrip land. The windsock is completely damaged, leaving just the pole mask standing alone there. Baricha Location chief’s office has been constructed within the runway strip. There are no runway edge markers, end markers or taxiway markers. Due to the runway deteriorating condition, threshold 31 should be displaced by 350. Therefore, reducing the usable runway to a length of 730 metres. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in order to enhance safety and operational standard, we must reservice and widen the runway to meet regulatory standards, implementing routine maintenance programme to address service wear and drainage issues, restricting unauthorized access to prevent non-aeronautical activities by fencing, addressing land encroachment through proper demarcation and encroachment, replacing the windsock and installing proper runway markers and taxiway signage. These interventions are critical to ensuring safe aircraft operation and protecting the traveling public. With respect to the final question as to whether there are plans to upgrade or expand Marsabit Town Airstrip, the upgrade is to accommodate commercial flights and has been planned in three phases as outlined. While this facility is not under the management of KAA, equally the Authority has already completed phase one, which included the construction of new perimeter chain link fence with razor wire, installation of gatehouse, gate, septic tank and soak pit, construction of public washrooms, relocation of overhead KP lines. The project cost for this phase expended Kshs61.2 million. The implementation period started in July 26th, 2022 and was completed one year later on 26th July, 2023. The project was completed and handed over to the client. Phase two will involve reconstruction of the runway, taxiway and apron pavements, overlaying 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."
}