Nairobi
Saturday, 8 June, 2024
By Felix Mogaka
President William Ruto has addressed concerns regarding the impact of highrise buildings in Eastleigh on the operations of Moi Air Base.
In a statement released on Saturday, President Ruto acknowledged the growing concerns about the potential risks these structures pose to the air base’s operations.
Ruto said he will engage the leadership of the County Government of Nairobi to ensure the Air Base does not lose its position.
“Let me also commit that in discussions with the County of Nairobi, we will make sure that this facility does not lose its premier position,” the President said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the operational integrity of the Moi Air Base and assured that measures would be taken to ensure that the construction within Eastleigh adheres to the height standards established by the Kenya Air Force.
“All buildings that have been built beyond the heights that are provided for in law, we will work with Nairobi City County to make sure that all developers keep to the standards that we have agreed with the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Defence Forces,” Ruto said.
He made the remarks when he presided over the 60th Anniversary of the Kenya Air Force at the Moi Airbase in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
The President’s remarks come months after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, announced the lifting of height restrictions on buildings within certain areas of the city, including the vicinity of Eastleigh Air Base.
This would allow structures to reach up to 25 floors, marking a significant departure from previous limitations and heralds to a new era of vertical expansion for Kenya’s bustling capital.
He said they talked after the county boss pointed out that the Eastleigh area “chocked up” and had traffic delays, due to height restrictions occasioned by the presence of Moi Air Base.
“The reason we have that airbase was to evacuate VVIPs or the President in case of an emergency. I had told him if he tried to use that route, he will get stuck because the place is chocked,” Sakaja said.
Despite these economic benefits, the Kenya Air Force and local authorities have raised concerns about the safety and operational efficiency of the air base due to the proximity and height of the new structures.