The Kenya Airports Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Henry Ogoye has confirmed that the authority had received an investment proposal under the Public Private Partnerships from Adani Airport Holdings Limited.

Adani’s proposal, KAA explains, includes significant improvements to the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway and apron. 

According to Ogoye, the comprehensive upgrade initiative which was approved by the Cabinet, known as the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan, required significant capital investment that the government could not afford given current fiscal constraints.

Ogoye further explained that JKIA, which was built in 1978, is an ageing infrastructure and a threat to regional competitiveness.

“The Cabinet approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan covering the upgrade of the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway and apron.

“The attendant investment requirement is significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding,” Ogoye said in a statement. “The Project Agreement will also involve thorough stakeholder engagement, approval from the National Treasury, clearance from the Attorney General, and final Cabinet approval.”

KAA also addressed concerns raised by staff and the airport business community, assuring them that no jobs would be lost as a result of the planned upgrades. 

According to the Authority, the expanded facilities will create new business opportunities and benefits for airport operators and the broader community.

The Authority’s statement comes at the back of public outcry about the alleged plans of the sale of JKIA, which is a national asset.

The government, through the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, moved to allay fears that it was intending to sell off the airport amid concerns of a shadowy deal.