KAA Chairman Inspects Ongoing Rehabilitation of Wilson Airport Runways

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has intensified its oversight of infrastructure improvements at Wilson Airport, with Board Chairman Caleb Kositany conducting a formal inspection of the facility on February 6, 2026. The visit focused on the active rehabilitation of aircraft movement areas, where engineers and contractors are currently working to restore pavement integrity across the airport's secondary flight surfaces.

During the site visit, Kositany observed the progress of the rehabilitation works, which involve the excavation and relaying of runway materials to address wear and tear. The ongoing project is part of a broader technical maintenance schedule designed to ensure the airport continues to meet the safety requirements for its high volume of domestic and regional light aircraft traffic. Wilson Airport remains one of the busiest hubs of its kind in East Africa, serving as the primary gateway for the country safari circuit and humanitarian flights.

The technical scope of the work currently visible on-site includes the preparation of the sub-base and the application of new asphalt layers. Photos from the inspection show teams working on sections of the runway where the old surface has been removed, revealing the structural layers beneath. These upgrades are intended to resolve long-standing concerns regarding the smoothness and load-bearing capacity of the runways, which have faced increased pressure from rising flight frequencies in recent years.

Beyond the physical pavement works, the KAA leadership has been coordinating with other state agencies to address the broader operating environment of the airport. This includes ongoing discussions regarding the management of high-rise developments in the surrounding Langata and Bomas areas, which have occasionally presented challenges to the airport’s obstacle limitation surfaces. The authority has maintained that physical infrastructure upgrades must be paired with strict adherence to flight path safety regulations.

The current rehabilitation phase at Wilson Airport aligns with KAA's wider 2026 infrastructure roadmap, which prioritizes the modernization of existing facilities over new, large-scale greenfield projects. This shift in strategy follows the government's recent decision to focus on practical, internal execution of repairs at major hubs, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and various regional airstrips. By focusing on runway durability and drainage systems, the authority aims to reduce downtime and maintenance costs for operators using the facility.

Kositany noted that the completion of these works is essential for maintaining the airport’s role as a reliable transport link. The authority has not yet issued a specific completion date for the current phase, but work is proceeding in sections to allow the airport to remain operational throughout the construction period.