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{
"id": 1552842,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552842/?format=api",
"text_counter": 171,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Kathuri",
"speaker_title": "The Deputy Speaker",
"speaker": {
"id": 13590,
"legal_name": "Murungi Kathuri",
"slug": "murungi-kathuri"
},
"content": " Hon. Cabinet Secretary, respond to the issues raised, simultaneously."
},
{
"id": 1552843,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552843/?format=api",
"text_counter": 172,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and Members of the Senate. I am happy to be here this morning. Good morning? Thank you for the question by Sen. Chute, the Senator of Marsabit County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me go straight to answer the first question without reciting it. This is with respect to Sololo and Turbi airstrips. Sololo Airstrip is a Code C aerodrome located in Sololo, Marsabit County. It features a gravel service runway measuring 1.2 kilometres or 1,200 metres in length and 20 metres in width, capable of accommodating aircrafts with passenger capacity of up to 13. While the facility does not fall under the direct management of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Authority has conducted an assessment of its current condition 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."
},
{
"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."
},
{
"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."
},
{
"id": 1552846,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552846/?format=api",
"text_counter": 175,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": "the runway with a 50-millimetre asphalt, which is about a two-inch asphalt, installation of runway markings, drainage improvement, including line drainage with side slabs or stone pitching, and installation of airfield lighting and communication equipment. Phase Three will involve acquisition of additional land to extend the runway from 1.1 kilometres to 1.5 kilometres, expansion of runway, construction of passenger terminal, building offices, car park and wastewater reticulation system. Additionally, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, feasibility studies are underway to assess the potential expansion of other strategic airstrips in Marsabit County, subject to budgetary allocation. As I said, this is one of the biggest counties in Kenya and the mode of transport can only be achieved through facilitation of this kind of transport service. So, Hon. Chute, we shall pay attention and ensure we do address the needs for the people of this county to be able to travel. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I wish to inform the honourable House that the Ministry is committed to enhancing aviation infrastructure in Marsabit County to improve connectivity, security and economic growth. We can provide detailed timelines of implementation as soon as we finish the feasibility studies and budgetary approval. I confirm that we shall pay attention to that. Thank you."
},
{
"id": 1552847,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552847/?format=api",
"text_counter": 176,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Kathuri",
"speaker_title": "The Deputy Speaker",
"speaker": {
"id": 13590,
"legal_name": "Murungi Kathuri",
"slug": "murungi-kathuri"
},
"content": " Sen. Mohammed Chute, do you have any supplementary question? Please have a seat, Waziri."
},
{
"id": 1552848,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552848/?format=api",
"text_counter": 177,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Chute",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13583,
"legal_name": "Chute Mohamed Said",
"slug": "chute-mohamed-said"
},
"content": "I do, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I would like the Cabinet Secretary to tell this House what he means when he talks about the airstrips not being under the management of KAA. At the same time, he is contradicting himself, on the last page 5. He is talking about investment of up to Kshs61 million while the last paragraph talks about completion of the same project and handed over to KAA. If these airstrips are not managed by KAA, who is managing them? Why should it be handed over to KAA? Secondly, in the last general election, 2022, myself and the current President, His Excellency William Ruto, wanted to go to Sololo. We had to go to Moyale and drive all the way from Moyale to Sololo. Now, it is almost three years later. He should tell this House that yes, we do not have funds now. However, when funds are available in next financial year, they will start and complete this project. Can he tell the people of Marsabit County besides not having money, they will start the project and state the completion period? Thank you."
},
{
"id": 1552849,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552849/?format=api",
"text_counter": 178,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Kathuri",
"speaker_title": "The Deputy Speaker",
"speaker": {
"id": 13590,
"legal_name": "Murungi Kathuri",
"slug": "murungi-kathuri"
},
"content": " Hon. CS, please proceed."
},
{
"id": 1552850,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552850/?format=api",
"text_counter": 179,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for the supplementary question from Hon. Chute. Let me clarify that in Kenya today, we have a total of about 440 airstrips, falling under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and KAA. Those under our direct jurisdiction and management are 18. I guess because of the facility of KAA, we go into arrangements to support and maintain some of the airstrips like Sololo and Turbi. 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."
},
{
"id": 1552851,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552851/?format=api",
"text_counter": 180,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": "So, when we have an arrangement to run a maintenance and do a tender as KAA, we supervise the construction and the contractor will then hand over a certificate of completion. That is basically why I said it was handed over to the client. We are the client when we are in charge of the construction. However, those two airstrips belong to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. So, we will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and KWS to deliver the various airstrips, to support and work together in terms of providing budgetary support. That suffices to basically clarify why I did indicate that “handed over back to the client”, the client being the contracting authority, KAA. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}
]
}