The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has responded to social media claims of a petrol station being constructed along the flight path of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In its statement on Monday, March 9, KCAA recognized and addressed the public concerns over the construction of the petrol station on Mombasa Road near JKIA.
It stated that the project of building the petrol station near JKIA has been reviewed and approved for construction.
“Attention has been drawn on social media to an ongoing petrol station construction at JKIA’s flight path,” the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated in its press release.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated that the project of building the petrol station near JKIA has been reviewed and approved for construction.
“The development near JKIA along Mombasa Road has undergone the due review and analysis and has been granted the required approval.”
KCAA also explained that any construction near the airports in the country has to follow strict procedures and rules before approval. They must comply with aviation safety requirements so that they do not interfere in any way with the smooth conduct of air traffic.
This clarification has been issued in the wake of online discussion regarding developments near major transportation hubs such as airports. Such developments could be buildings, lighting, emissions, and height.
KCAA stated that they would be keeping a watchful eye on developments near the JKIA so that all such developments are in compliance with both local and international aviation laws.
Last month, the authority issued a directive regarding residents living near airports and other airstrips in the country. On February 3, the KCAA issued a directive in this regard and requested residents living near airports and airstrips in the country to ensure the installation of special high-visibility red flashing aeronautical obstacle lights within the next 30 days.
According to the KCAA, this measure has been taken in order to improve air navigation safety and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.
The authority also reminded residents and developers that any construction within 15 kilometers of an aerodrome has to be approved by the authority. No building within this area can be constructed without the approval of the KCAA and confirmation that the height does not pose any threat.
