The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) plans to spend Sh1 billion in curbing bird strikes that have been the main cause of emergency landings across the country. 

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!

These emergency landings result in engine damages costing billions to repair. The problem has persisted because the birds use the same levels and flight paths as the planes. 

The most affected airports are Kisumu International Airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport.

KAA wildlife control unit boss, George Amutete, said that the above airports are the most affected and will be targeted by the initiative. The aim is to reduce engine damages from the current 33 per cent to 5 per cent.

“We have an ambitious plan to acquire bird strike avoidance radar that, if installed, can help visualise birds as far as five nautical miles away and warn pilots in advance, or for the staff to take appropriate control measures,” Amutete explained.

 “We have to attain high standards of operations and safety in our airports to maintain Kenya’s status as a regional hub,” he added.

Another affected facility is Wajir Airport. The bird menace in this region has been linked to poor sanitary conditions and a nearby slaughterhouse. However, it will not be part of the Sh1 billion initiative due to low traffic.