World Bank increases funding for Kenya's mega projects
The temporary international arrivals terminal at JKIA. Photo/FILE
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World Bank’s executive board Wednesday approved Sh17.7 billion ($203.5 million) loan for the Kenya Transport Sector Support Project (KTSSP) to be used in expansion works of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Northern and Western transit corridors.
Kenya’s ongoing infrastructure projects received a boost Wednesday after the World Bank ratified new funding for the upgrading of the country’s main airport, and transport corridors.
The World Bank’s executive board Wednesday approved Sh17.7 billion ($203.5 million) loan for the Kenya Transport Sector Support Project (KTSSP) to be used in expansion works of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Northern and Western transit corridors.
“The additional financing will support the government to restore operations at Kenya’s premier international airport and also to improve the preparedness of the Kenya Airports Authority to respond to disasters such as last year’s fire emergency,” said Diarietou Gaye, the World Bank country director for Kenya.
She added that the fund will also enable the completion of "ongoing contracts for upgrading of the two major trade and transport corridors to facilitate regional trade and integration.”
A temporary terminal is being set up as a stop-gap measure following a fire that gutted down part of JKIA in August last year. Expansion and modernisation works at the airport also include rebuilding of the burnt terminal and the construction of a fresh one for Sh55 billion.
The World Bank under its loan brings its total financing for KTSSP to Sh43.6 billion ($503.5 million).
“The increased funding will enable the government to continue with the expansion plan underway at JKIA, which would otherwise have been disrupted by diversion of funds to the critical emergency works, and also to complete the existing contracts,” said Josphat Sasia, the Project’s Task Team Leader.
“The scope of the project will be expanded to include activities that will enhance the safety of pedestrians and other road users on the Northern and Western corridors.”
Works under the KTSSP include expansion of the northern corridor, which runs from Mombasa through Nairobi to the Kenya-Uganda border, and the western transit, which extends from Kenya’s border with Northern Tanzania through Kisumu, Eldoret and Kitale to the South Sudan border.
The World Bank is also financing the modernisation of Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
