By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Kenya Airports Authority has confirmed to have received a proposal from the Adani Airport Holdings Limited to improve the infrastructure of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which is ageing since its construction in 1978.
In a statement to the media, Kenya Airport Authorities through its acting Managing Director highlighted a threat posed to the Airport in the regional competition due to the ageing infrastructures that requires renovations.
“The Cabinet approved the JKIA medium Term Investment Plan covering the upgrade of the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway and apron.”
According to the Authority management the upgrading of the Airport infrastructure as approved by Parliament is significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding.
“Kenya Airports Authority received an investment proposal under the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021 from the Adani Airport Holdings Limited, a key airport operator, to invest in a new passenger terminal building, second runway and refurbishment of the existing facilities at JKIA,” reads the statement.
In the statement KAA added that the proposal will be subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews alongside requisite due processes in compliance with the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021.
“The Project Agreement will be preceded by Stakeholder Engagement, the National Treasury approval, the Attorney General clearance and the Cabinet approval,” the Ag. CEO stated.
Kenya Airport Authority further addressed the concerns from their staffs and the business community and assured them on the security on their jobs.
“I wish to assure our staff that no jobs are at risk. I also wish to assure the airport business community and operators that the expanded facility will create additional business opportunities and attendant benefits,” Henry Ogoge said.
On Tuesday 23rd July 2024 the Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Mudavadi appeared before the National Assembly Committee of Budget and Appropriations and assured the nation that JKIA is not on Sale.
He emphasized that the airport is a pubic, strategic asset that can only be sold after a full public process with Parliament endorsement on top.
“The airport is not on sale. This is a public asset, a strategic asset. If it was going to be sold, you can only do it after a full public process that parliament endorses,” PCS said.