New airports boss shifts focus to commercializing KAA

Incoming Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) boss Jonny Andersen has set his sights on improving the authority’s commercial side as part of plans to improve the countries airports.

Mr Anderson who joins KAA from Norway’s state owned airport managing firm Avinor AS, said while primary focus on improving the airport infrastructure, there is need to make the state owned agency commercially viable.

“For me it’s about setting the KAA team for the future and also focusing a lot on the commercial side of the airport industry because we are not only an infrastructure provider but a business as well,” Mr Andersen said.

He is the first non Kenyan to hold the post, after the KAA board opted for an outsider to shake up operations.

KAA board chairman Julius Karangi said the new MD’s task would be to ensure Kenya becomes a competitive aviation hub.

“Today, we open a new chapter and a fresh beginning for KAA. The management and board of KAA aims to deliver a world class experience to airport users with zero tolerance to graft,” Mr Karangi said.

KAA has been without a substantive head for close to a year, following the sacking of Lucy Mbugua and several senior executives over links to corruption.

The recruitment process had been mired by controversy and was on three occasions canceled.

Mr Andersen said he was particularly keen on the job given Kenya’s strategic positioning, arguing it presents a challenge to create a world class aviation hub.

“Kenya is an ideal gateway into the continent, and a regional aviation hub. I look forward to harnessing this potential to build prosperity for the authority and the country as a whole,” he said.

He added that he would also strengthen the management team to ensure all those at the authority are aligned to the growth strategy.

Report by Grace Kabura