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| President Ruto has dismissed claims of selling JKIA |
President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration plans to sell the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). President William Ruto speaking at a past event. Ruto revealed the government plans to work with private investors and upgrade the standards of the airport. What Ruto said about selling JKIA Speaking during a Town Hall meeting in Mombasa on Sunday, July 28, Ruto explained that Kenya will transform JKIA into a modern facility through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. “I am doing something about the airport.
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The one we have is made of canvas for arrivals, which we put up almost seven years ago. This is why we need to work with investors to give us a new airport in Nairobi. “I have heard people say Ruto wants to sell the airport. I am not mad. How do you sell a strategic national asset?” said Ruto. Ruto noted that the PPP model will bring in private-sector resources that will blend with the government’s in a win-win agreement. What will private investors do at JKIA? The head of state revealed the model aims to build a new terminal and runway and refurbish the existing facilities at the airport. “We want to work with the private sector to do three things that are critical for our airport. This includes building a new terminal, and runway, refurbishing what we have and removing the canvas,” he said.He said the current 9 million passenger capacity has surpassed JKIA’s intended capacity of 7 million when it was built in the 60s. KAA plans on JKIA upgrade Earlier, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said that the Cabinet approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan, which includes extensive upgrades to the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway, and apron. KAA explained that the needed upgrades at JKIA cannot be supported using public funds due to financial constraints. The authority said they received a proposal for a strategic partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited concerning the JKIA.
by Wycliffe Musalia