JKIA Terminal 1E: KAA, We need to see someone in Jail!

Passing through the new terminal at the Julius Nyerere International airport, it is obvious that someone at the Kenya Airports Authority should be in jail right now. First, for the obviously most embarrassing new airport terminal in the world. Secondly for the most sub-standard workmanship any corruption-ridden project can fetch. And thirdly, in general for the worst airport security.

I have decided to make a comparison with our closest neighbour’s project because of the obvious reasons. The Dar’s new terminal has exposed the depth of our shoddy, substandard mediocre so called new international terminal at JKIA, and I wonder why it is taking the DCI so long to investigate the obvious situation of huge swindle tax-payers’ money. 

The new Dar terminal is everything quality, maybe not so much on aesthetics, but the practicality of it: the airiness, the space from the feel of the roof above you to the walls. The finishes are precise and conclusive and you can tell there is no cheat in quality, starting with the floor to the beams and everything. 

The terminal is even friendlier to everyone, not just the travellers. You are shielded from rain and hot sun while waiting for your guest and you have comfortable space to interact and take time taking photos.

When I first wrote about the new JKIA terminal, it was still new, fresh paint able to hide the inferior job that went into it. Now, everything is getting exposed. The terminal is badly stuffy, toilets falling apart and smelly. The cleaners seem to be only interested in fake plastic smiles that accompany their begging for hand-outs. Some urinals are hardly usable because of the squeezed space it almost seems they were placed as an addendum. 

The above is a wall towards the flight boarding

The designer ignored even the most basic factors. Some terminal exits or entrances to the aircraft boarding for instance are so narrow and obstructive to passengers, even worse as they lead to steep narrow stairs. 

The security operations are perhaps the most disgusting, right from the main airport security checkpoint. While the facilities look impressive, perhaps to the amateur, the police officers inspecting vehicles are totally unprofessional, even looking disinterested in their job. Some openly ask for Chai, and I believe are ready to let you go uninspected if you part with cash. A country so prone to terrorist attacks, yet so short-lived in memory. 

The Kenya Airports and the anti corruption Authorities,  please console us!