President William Ruto has dismissed claims that the government plans to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a private investor. Ruto clarified that Kenya is considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to revamp the airport.
"The Nairobi airport currently has a temporary canvas structure in the arrivals area, set up almost seven years ago. In contrast, Ethiopia and Rwanda have brand-new airports. This is why we need to partner with investors to build a new airport," Ruto explained.
During a Townhall conversation in Mombasa on Sunday, Ruto emphasized that a PPP would be the best way to improve the airport, as it would attract both foreign and local investments. "Am I crazy? How can you sell a strategic national asset? You'd have to be insane. We need the right investment for the airport. Our plan is to work within the PPP framework," he stated.
Ruto's comments come in response to public concerns over plans to have Adani Airports Holding Limited, a private investor, invest Ksh.242 billion to expand JKIA. Last week, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed receiving Adani's proposal to upgrade Kenya's main airport over the next 30 years, as part of the Cabinet-approved JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan.
Did you read this?
The Indian firm's proposal includes improvements to JKIA's passenger terminal, the construction of a new terminal, a second runway, and enhancements to the taxiway and apron. This proposal has faced significant scrutiny from civil society groups and some legislators, who fear the government might be planning to 'sell' JKIA.
