Kisumu Airport Closed - Runways washed out!

Runway in "Perfect Condition" washed away! - KAA

The airport has been in the news for the past one month due to the poor condition of its runway, which forced Kenya Airways to suspend flights citing potholes on the runway.

Mr Titus Naikuni, the Kenya Airways chief executive, said the runway was dangerous for both landing and take off. Earlier, the acting Kisumu airport manager, Mr Leonard Rinchuni, had denied the claim saying the airport's runway was in perfect condition and that it did not warrant KA's suspension of flights.

Above as reported in the Daily Nation on 26 Nov 2006 (registration required).

Here is KAA's rebuttal to KQ withdrawing its flights! Less than 10 days later, all flights to Kisumu are "suspended" for runway repairs!

Earlier, I had highlighted the absurdity of KAA's insistence that the runway at Kisumu was in "perfect condition"... Heavy rains are a feature at Kisumu... Couldn't the "perfect condition" runway take it?

Or was it that the runway was shoddily built/maintained by politically connected firms?

There were lots of defenders of KAA, who claimed KQ could not take the heat of competition! I think KQ cares more about the safety of its passengers & reputation!

Bankelele agrees with my assessment. After hearing whoppers for years from Kenyan government functionaries, I am sceptical of what they say.

KAA should be eliminated. The airports should be privatised as is common in many stronger economies including UK & Australia. I say give over the airports to KQ (or some other PRIVATE entity) & you will see a HUGE difference in quality & performance over a relatively short period.