The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has appointed Moses Wekesa as its managing director, placing him at the centre of plans to modernise key aviation infrastructure, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport.
Mr Wekesa takes over at a time when Kenya’s main aviation gateway, JKIA, is facing capacity constraints and heightened scrutiny over delayed expansion plans and contested financing models for upgrades.
‘The board extends its best wishes to Mr Wekesa in this new assignment and expresses its appreciation to KAA General Manager Finance Mohamud Gedi for his dedicated service as acting Managing Director,’ said the State parastatal’s board in a statement.
‘The board further acknowledges the smooth transition, particularly as KAA’s airport modernisation initiatives accelerate to enhance the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economy.’
Mr Wekesa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nairobi.
He also holds postgraduate qualifications in finance, appraisal and project planning from the University of Bradford in the UK.
‘His expertise extends to the wider infrastructure sector, equipping him to advance Kenya’s aviation infrastructure,’ the agency said.
Modernisation push
KAA has in recent months faced mounting pressure to deliver long-delayed modernisation projects, particularly at JKIA, amid rising passenger traffic and the need to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a regional hub.
The State agency has also faced governance scrutiny linked to large infrastructure deals, including opposition to proposed private sector participation in airport expansion, which has triggered legal and labour disputes.
The new appointee is expected to steer these projects while balancing competing demands for efficiency and public accountability in the execution of capital-intensive developments across the country’s airport network.
The agency is currently implementing expansion and upgrade programmes across several facilities, including JKIA and Wilson Airport, aimed at improving passenger experience, cargo handling and operational efficiency.
The State plans to expand JKIA’s capacity from 7.5 million passengers annually to 12 million at the current terminal, alongside the construction of a new terminal capable of handling about 22 million passengers per year.
KAA is also undertaking extensive rehabilitation works at Wilson Airport, including improvements to pavements, aprons and the facility’s two runways.