For years, Wilson Airport has been one of Kenya’s busiest hubs for domestic flights, connecting Nairobi to towns and remote regions across the country.
But lately, what was once a smooth and efficient operation has turned into a place of tension and frustration.
The trouble began after the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) awarded a Sh1.5 billion rehabilitation contract to Frontier Engineering Limited, a decision that has angered many aviation stakeholders who believe the deal was tainted by favoritism and corruption.
According to insiders, the contractor chosen to oversee the airport’s renovation lacks the technical expertise and capacity to handle such a complex project.
They argue that the contract was never about skill or merit but about political connections and hidden interests. Documents from the tendering process show that another firm, Halane Construction Company, had initially been selected based on experience and competence.
However, that decision was later reversed, allegedly under the influence of KAA’s acting Managing Director, Mohamed Gedi, who is accused of manipulating the process to favor Frontier Engineering.
Stakeholders have since raised alarm over the move, claiming that Gedi personally pushed for the controversial contract despite repeated warnings. They now want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to step in and investigate what they see as a serious case of abuse of office.
The fallout from this decision has been costly. Parts of the airport are deteriorating, flights have been delayed or grounded, and some airlines have been forced to shift operations to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to avoid further losses.
Many employees within KAA have also expressed frustration, saying the leadership has become too political and unaccountable.
Reports suggest that those who question the process or highlight irregularities are quickly transferred or silenced. This atmosphere of fear has deepened mistrust among workers and partners, who believe that transparency has been completely eroded at the agency.
Frontier Engineering Limited, the company at the center of the storm, is said to have links to Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, further fueling claims of political interference.
The firm is also entangled in a tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority involving nearly Sh1 billion, raising even more questions about its credibility and financial conduct.
Critics argue that a company under such scrutiny should not be entrusted with handling a national infrastructure project that directly affects aviation safety.
By comparison, Halane Construction Company the firm initially selected has completed several major infrastructure projects, including the Tarbaj-Kutulo road, and has previously worked with global partners such as the World Bank.
Aviation experts believe that rejecting such an experienced firm for one with limited capacity is a clear example of how corruption undermines national progress.
Today, the situation at Wilson Airport reflects the broader challenges facing Kenya’s public institutions. A project that was meant to modernize and improve one of the country’s key airports has instead turned into a story of stalled development, wasted resources, and fading trust.
Unless quick action is taken to restore accountability and fix the tendering mess, Wilson Airport risks losing its position as a reliable domestic aviation hub. Passengers continue to face delays, airlines are losing money, and the nation’s reputation in aviation management is once again on the line.
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