Kenya Airways has sued the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) seeking Sh320 million compensation for damages suffered during last year's fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).The August 7 fire occurred in and around the immigration area of Terminal 2 in the arrivals section. It destroyed the main terminal building, including Kenya Airways’ offices, office equipment, fixtures and fittings.In its suit filed at the High Court, the national carrier has calculated its claim against the airports authority at $3,774,319.22.
ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE
KQ alleges that as a result of the airport authority's negligence, fire engulfed the entire Terminal 2 building causing extensive damage to its passengers’ baggage, office equipment, stationery, appliances and the premises at large.It argues that the loss and damage happened to them because KAA failed in its lawful duty to provide adequate fire-fighting equipment and services, failed to properly administer, control and manage the airport, and failed to ensure its undertakings were operated efficiently and with regard to safety.“KAA failed to take reasonable and efficient measures whether by inspection or examination, to ensure that there would be no risk of fire arising from any electrical or other faults in the premises,” explained Kenya Airways in its court papers.
'UNREPAIRED' EQUIPMENT
KAA is also accused of failing to conduct any reasonable maintenance of the premises and safety devices, including fire alarm systems, electronic equipment and appliances at JKIA, thus causing unnecessary danger to the national carrier’s passengers, employees and property.KAA equally failed to prevent the fire from spreading across the building in order to mitigate damage and loss.“KAA allowed the fire fighting and fire alarm systems to be and to remain out of repair, exposing persons lawfully entering or using the premises to danger,” explained Kenya Airways in its application.
Courtesy of Nation Online Edition (August 12, 2014)
http://www.nation.co.ke/business/KQ-sues-airports-authority-over-JKIA-fire/-/996/2416916/-/7fkeotz/-/index.html
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