Ruto Denies Plans to Sell JKIA, Says They’re Partnering with Investors to Give the Airport an Upgrade

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• President William Ruto denied plans to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, emphasizing a Public-Private Partnership for its upgrade.
• Public concerns arose after Adani Airports Holding Limited proposed a Ksh.242 billion investment to expand the airport under a 30-year plan.

President William Ruto has dismissed reports suggesting the government plans to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a private investor. 

Ruto clarified that Kenya is pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to upgrade the airport and enhance its facilities.

Ruto highlighted the current state of the airport, mentioning that the arrival area is a temporary canvas structure erected almost seven years ago. 

He emphasized the need for modernization, noting that neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda have new airports. “This is why we need to work with investors to give us a new airport,” Ruto stated.

During a Townhall conversation in Mombasa on Sunday, Ruto argued that a PPP program is the right approach for improving JKIA, as it facilitates both foreign and local investment. 

He strongly refuted the idea of selling the airport, questioning, “Am I a mad man? How do you sell a strategic national asset? You have to be insane. We must have the right investment for the airport. What we want to do is to work under the PPP program.”

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Ruto’s comments follow public outcry over plans to involve a private investor, Adani Airports Holding Limited, in a Ksh.242 billion investment to expand JKIA. 

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed last week that it received 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.

The Indian firm’s plan, set to be executed through a public-private partnership, includes improvements to JKIA’s passenger terminal, the construction of a new terminal, a second runway, and enhancements to the taxiway and apron. 

This deal has drawn heavy scrutiny from civil society groups and some legislators, who fear the state might be looking to “sell” JKIA.