Transport Committee Grills Aviation Department Over Budget Oversight
Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport, chaired by Ndia MP George Kariuki, convened a critical session with the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development to assess the implementation of its FY 2024/25 budget.
Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika clarified that the Department was not operational during the review period. Instead, its functions were housed under the Air Transport Programme of the State Department for Transport, which included Aircraft Accident Investigations and Air Transport Services.
The programme received an approved budget of KES 11.563 billion, with KES 11.513 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and KES 50 million for development—specifically the construction of a runway at Matulo Airstrip. While the development funds were fully utilized, recurrent spending reached KES 8.319 billion, reflecting a 72% absorption rate.
Lawmakers voiced concern over the minimal development allocation. Chief Finance Officer Mr. Nyawara attributed the imbalance to budget cuts, noting that the KES 50 million was exclusively earmarked for Matulo.
Tensions escalated over conflicting financial figures presented by PS Mbaika and PS Mohamed Daghar. Mbaika cited an approved budget of KES 23.319 billion with actual expenditure of KES 21.974 billion, while Daghar previously reported KES 25.598 billion approved and KES 26.078 billion spent—suggesting over-expenditure without parliamentary approval.
The Committee deemed the discrepancies “alarming” and tasked its Fiscal Analyst with reconciling the figures alongside both PSs before a follow-up session.
Acting Managing Director Mr. Mohamud Gedi defended the figures, asserting their accuracy. However, Ibrahim Saney raised concerns over the prolonged vacancy at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), urging the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.
Saney also condemned alleged discriminatory profiling of Kenyan-Somali nationals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), calling for a review of security protocols. “While our officers are busy profiling innocent Kenyans, drugs are slipping through our airports,” he warned.
PS Mbaika acknowledged the challenges, citing leadership gaps, underfunding, aging infrastructure, high training costs, and security threats as key constraints. She appealed for increased funding, capacity building, and urgent settlement of KAA’s pending bills.
The Committee directed the State Department to submit a more comprehensive and accurate report before its findings are tabled in Parliament. Chairperson Kariuki emphasized the need for transparency and fiscal discipline, warning that budget inconsistencies and leadership lapses undermine aviation sector performance.
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