AIRPORT LAND SCANDAL: KAA Acting CEO Bodo is currently facing significant scrutiny and criticism regarding the controversial allocation of land at Malindi Airport, raising serious questions about transparency and governance
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Acting CEO Nicholas Bodo was subjected to rigorous questioning yesterday by parliamentary oversight committees concerning the unexplained loss of crucial land documents and the alleged improper allocation of public land at Malindi Airport to private entities.
During a contentious session, the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee scrutinized KAA officials about the stalled development of this key coastal airport, with lawmakers labeling the situation as “misleading” and “disingenuous.” Central to the issue is around 100 acres of land intended for the airport’s expansion, which is currently occupied by a church and a jet fuel storage facility, despite KAA asserting its ownership of the site.
“We possess a valid title deed for the disputed land,” Bodo insisted during the tense parliamentary session.
His assertion, however, was met with skepticism from committee members who questioned how KAA could claim ownership while failing to exercise control over the property or provide crucial documentation regarding the agreements with current occupants.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge raised serious concerns about potential financial irregularities, suggesting KAA might have deliberately manipulated records to obscure the true ownership arrangement of the valuable airport land.
“How can you claim to own land that is currently occupied by private entities without your authorization?” one lawmaker demanded, highlighting the contradiction in KAA’s position.
24-Hour Ultimatum
Following the unsatisfactory responses from KAA officials, the committee issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum requiring the Authority to submit:
– The original 1996 title deed for the disputed land
– Comprehensive documentation of all agreements with the jet fuel depot occupying part of the property
– Full disclosure of financial arrangements related to the land
“Persistent inaction on this matter will be considered institutional failure,” the committee warned, signaling potential consequences for KAA leadership.
The land dispute has effectively paralyzed planned expansion efforts at Malindi Airport, a facility considered crucial for boosting tourism and economic development in Kenya’s coastal region.
The planned expansion of the airport is poised to greatly improve the region’s connectivity, which in turn will boost its tourism potential. This development is not just a local concern; it represents a significant matter of national economic interest. Resolving the land issue associated with this expansion is crucial for maximizing these benefits.
