Members of the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee have urged the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to expedite ongoing infrastructure upgrades and runway rehabilitation works at Wilson Airport, citing concerns over delays that are disrupting operations and causing financial losses to aviation stakeholders.

The committee, chaired by Ndia MP George Kariuki, issued the directive during an inspection visit to Wilson Airport on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where lawmakers met officials from the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace, KAA, and representatives of the Kenya Association of Air Operators.

The legislators expressed concern that the pace of construction was affecting aircraft operators and creating inconvenience for passengers using the country’s busiest domestic airport.

The meeting followed an earlier request by the committee for a comprehensive update on the airport’s operations, infrastructure development projects, and ongoing improvement programmes.

Aviation and Aerospace Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika and KAA Managing Director Moses Wekesa told the committee that rehabilitation works on runways 14/32 and 07 had reached 38 per cent completion, slightly below the projected 40 per cent target.

According to the officials, delays were caused by a late start to the project and the discovery of waterlogged ground conditions beneath sections of the runways, which necessitated an expansion of the original scope of work.

They said the Ksh1.4 billion project includes rehabilitation and expansion of taxiways aimed at enhancing aircraft movement, improving safety standards, and reducing pavement deterioration.

Despite the explanation, lawmakers maintained that the contractor needed to move faster to minimize disruptions to airport users.

“We want Wilson Airport to be a role model and provide auxiliary services to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If there is an issue at JKIA, some aircraft should be able to land here. Let us work to make Wilson better. This is a business, and we should not give room to losses,” Kariuki said.

The committee also received a report detailing aviation incidents that have occurred at the airport over the past two years, including the causes, investigations undertaken, and measures implemented to prevent similar occurrences.

Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ called for reforms in the investigation of aircraft accidents, proposing the development of a policy framework that would allow for independent investigations rather than having the function handled solely within KAA or the State Department for Aviation.

The lawmakers further raised concerns over alleged encroachment on land surrounding Wilson Airport.

Kirinyaga Central MP Eng. John Kiragu requested that KAA submit the airport’s master plan to enable the committee to assess how the authority intends to utilize and protect the facility’s land.

Responding to the concerns, KAA Managing Director Moses Wekesa assured the committee that the authority was actively engaging stakeholders and closely monitoring the contractor responsible for the runway works.

“Honourable Chair, I ask for a little patience. We are up to the task and closely monitoring the contractor doing the runways. The contract runs for 18 months, and we are currently in the ninth month. Give us a chance to deliver within the set timeline,” Wekesa said.

PS Mbaika thanked the committee for its oversight role and support in promoting growth and order within the aviation sector, pledging that all ongoing projects would be completed on schedule and that concerns raised by stakeholders would be addressed.

Wilson Airport is a critical hub for domestic flights, air charter services, flight training, and emergency aviation operations, making the timely completion of the rehabilitation works a key priority for the aviation industry.