President William Ruto’s government asserts that only the Adani Group can aid in the growth of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
They also trust Adani with its expansion. This declaration follows the resolution of a strike by aviation workers after reaching an agreement about the Adani deal.
The government emphasizes the necessity of a partnership with Adani. The escalating passenger and cargo traffic at JKIA surpasses its design capacity.
The government foresees a significant increase in passenger and cargo volumes at JKIA over the next three decades. With the airport handling more travelers annually than its capacity, estimated at 8.6 million against 7.9 million, the government anticipates a surge in these figures.
The proposed expansion project is projected to cost over KSh 260 billion. This sum is deemed unattainable without the involvement of a private investor. This is especially true after the rejection of the Finance Bill.
Earlier, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed concerns from the public. He clarified that the Adani deal was still in its early stages.
The strike by aviation workers on Wednesday halted operations at JKIA, reflecting their discontent with the proposed deal. The government’s perceived lack of transparency about the Adani agreement was a key factor leading to the industrial action.
The controversy surrounding the Adani deal and its potential impact on JKIA has sparked public debate and criticism. The government’s stance on the necessity of Adani’s involvement in the airport’s expansion has faced scrutiny. Concerns have been raised about the implications of relying on a private investor for such a critical infrastructure project.
