"JKIA Not for Sale": Mudavadi Addresses Controversy Amid Protests

Nairobi, Kenya, Jul 24 – Prime Cabinet Secretary @@MusaliaMudavadi has moved to quash the brewing storm over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, charming the public that the government has no intention of selling the strategic facility. 

This follows widespread media reports and public protests over alleged plans to lease the airport to an Indian firm, Adani Airport Holdings Limited.

Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi 

Before the Budget and Appropriation Committee Chaired by @NdindiNyoro, Mudavadi sought to clarify that any such decision for the sale or lease of JKIA would be subject to full public disclosure and approval by Parliament.

"JKIA is not on sale," said Mudavadi. 

This is a public asset; it's a strategic asset. If it were to be sold, it would only be after a full public process which Parliament endorses.

Mudavadi's remarks were made in reaction to details that emerged about a supposed private deal for the leasing of JKIA. According to the Prime CS, the focus of the government is the modernization of the airport so as to better passenger experience and increase traffic. 

The plans of modernization, including a new terminal, had been outlined in the Medium Term Plan launched by President William Ruto.

Questions have been raised over infrastructural issues at JKIA, such as leaking roofs, poor drainage, and no shelter, among others, which have been worsened by the heavy rains. Mudavadi has called for careful scrutiny of KAA's investment program and transparency throughout the modernization process.

"Going forward, KAA must look at its investments carefully," Mudavadi said. 

Anybody giving the impression that the airport has been sold is not being factual. What we need to appreciate we will to modernize our airport and that needs resources to create new terminals. Going forward KAA must look at its investment carefully. 

This is after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka sought to know details of an alleged agreement entered between KAA and Adani Airport Holdings Limited. 

Sen. Onyonka Richard Momoima

Mr. Onyonka protested contents of the agreement, which he said involved a 30-year build, operate, and transfer model. He questioned reasons for entering into such a deal, citing the long-term implications and lack of transparency.

We are signing off our airport to be run by a private company for 30 years, and after the contract is over, they will retain 18 per cent equity in our airport. Why would anyone sign such an agreement?

Onyonka said quoting from a French whistleblower.

He expressed the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and consultation of members of the public about any major decision concerning JKIA. He sought to reassure that the airport is not for sale and whatever partnership needs to occur at the airport shall happen in a very transparent and legal manner so everything is open and well accounted.

He would like to reassure, in a controversy that still continues, against unrest and misinformation leading up to the recent protests. The government remains focused on enhancing the facilities and operations of JKIA to world-class levels, hence improving the overall passenger experience.