The head of Kenya’s airports authority, Alex Gitari, has been dismissed by Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen after a major power cut left passengers stranded in darkness for hours at Nairobi’s main airport. The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyans and shed light on the country’s inefficiency in handling such crises.
The significant power cut, for which the majority state-owned power company has not yet provided an explanation, began on Friday and continues to affect homes and businesses across much of Kenya. With Nairobi’s main airport, hospitals, and even the State House being plunged into darkness, the outage has highlighted the severity of the situation.
Tourism, a vital sector of Kenya’s economy, generating about 10% of its GDP, has suffered a blow due to the power cut. The industry is also a key source of foreign currency for the nation, making the incident all the more concerning.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen expressed his apologies for the chaos at Nairobi’s airport and acknowledged that the incident was a result of a demoralized and disorganized workforce. He went on to cite political interference as one of the contributing factors. Kenyans on social media have been quick to voice their anger at the lack of functioning back-up generators at the country’s main airport.
In response to the chaos, a reshuffling of top airport officials has taken place. Alongside Gitari, another senior civil aviation authority official has been dismissed, while the manager of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been demoted to a position at Mombasa’s main airport. The moves reflect the government’s recognition of the need for accountability and swift action in light of the power cut.
Furthermore, chaos ensued at the entrances to Kenya’s national parks as the digital payment system failed, resulting in long queues and disgruntled visitors. This incident further reinforces the country’s inability to handle technological challenges during crucial moments.
While power cuts are not uncommon in Kenya, the extent and impact of this countrywide outage have brought to light the urgent need for better infrastructure and contingency plans. The transport minister revealed that two generators, meant to be commissioned at the airport two years ago, remain unused. The lack of clarity regarding their cost, the contracting process, and the reasons for their non-installation raises questions about transparency and accountability.
Looking beyond this incident, corruption has long plagued Kenya, hindering progress and development. Many Kenyans believe that the mismanagement of public funds and endemic corruption are to blame for such infrastructure failures. The power cut has served as a stark reminder of the need for systemic change to ensure the efficient functioning of vital services and infrastructure.
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of the power cut, the government must focus on rectifying the situation swiftly. Restoring power across the country and implementing robust measures to prevent future outages should be priorities. The smooth functioning of critical services such as airports and national parks is crucial to maintaining Kenya’s position as a key player in the African tourism industry and bolstering economic growth.
The dismissal of Kenya’s airports authority chief following the chaotic power cut at Nairobi’s main airport highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and contingency plans. Kenyans are demanding transparency and accountability to address endemic corruption, ensuring a brighter and more reliable future for the nation’s vital services and infrastructure.
