The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is facing sharp criticism over its handling of the expansion project for Malindi Airport amid allegations of missing crucial land records. The controversy has cast a shadow over the Authority’s operations and raised concerns over accountability and transparency in managing public assets.
The dispute came to light during a tense session before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee, where KAA officials were grilled over their failure to repossess a 100-acre parcel of land earmarked for the expansion of Malindi Airport. The land in question is currently occupied by a church and a jet fuel depot, sparking concerns that public land may have been irregularly transferred to private hands.
Legislators questioned how the land, originally allocated for a critical infrastructure project, ended up under the control of private entities without the necessary approvals. The committee accused KAA of serious administrative lapses, particularly in its inability to present clear documentation detailing how the land was leased or transferred.
Despite KAA’s acting CEO asserting that the Authority held a valid title deed for the disputed land, lawmakers remained unconvinced. They challenged the legitimacy of the claim, pointing out the contradiction between KAA’s assertion of ownership and the physical occupation of the land by private actors. The committee members described the Authority’s stance as “dishonest and deceptive,” citing the lack of tangible evidence supporting its claims.
A major point of contention revolved around KAA’s failure to produce documentation proving any agreement between the Authority and the operators of the jet fuel depot. MPs demanded to see a formal lease agreement and details outlining the financial terms of the arrangement. KAA was unable to provide these documents during the session, further deepening suspicions about the integrity of its record-keeping.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge expressed concern that KAA’s financial records might have been manipulated to obscure the true status of land ownership. He questioned whether the Authority had deliberately failed to disclose key information in an attempt to mislead Parliament and the public.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the committee issued a firm directive, instructing KAA to submit the original 1996 title deed along with all documentation related to the land’s use by the jet fuel depot within 24 hours. Legislators emphasized that the failure to provide these documents would be interpreted as institutional incapacity and could warrant further investigative or disciplinary action.
The controversy has reignited broader concerns about the governance of public land and the transparency of state agencies. With Malindi Airport’s expansion now stalled, residents of the coastal town face uncertainty over the future of a project that was expected to boost tourism and economic development in the region.
As pressure mounts on KAA to clarify the status of the disputed land and demonstrate responsible stewardship of public resources, the outcome of the parliamentary probe could have far-reaching implications. If the Authority fails to provide convincing documentation, it may face legal or administrative consequences that could further delay the much-needed expansion project.
The unfolding situation underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability mechanisms in public infrastructure projects, particularly those involving land use and large financial investments.
