President William Ruto has openly announced that India-based company Adani Commercials is prepared to partner with the Kenyan government to refurbish Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). President Ruto emphasized that the government is not selling the airport but seeking private investors to aid in its refurbishment through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Pres William Ruto gestures during a past event
“We are not selling JKIA; we want to bring in private investors to help us refurbish the facility through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model,” Ruto stated, aiming to dispel circulating rumors of an outright sale of the strategic asset.
Despite Ruto’s clarifications, details of an alleged agreement of sale have been trending online, fueling public skepticism. No senior government official has come forward to categorically deny or confirm these rumors, leading to widespread uncertainty and unrest.
The controversy surrounding the alleged sale of JKIA was a significant trigger for last week’s protests. Thousands of demonstrators marched to JKIA, expressing their opposition to what they perceived as the government’s attempt to sell off the airport.
The issue remains a potent rallying point, with activists planning large-scale demonstrations during the Nane Nane Demos on August 8, 2024, set to take place in Nairobi.
Ruto gestures as he delivers a keynote speech
The lack of clear communication from the government has left many Kenyans questioning the transparency of the PPP arrangement with Adani Commercials. The ongoing uncertainty and speculation underscore the need for the government to provide detailed information to the public, ensuring that any partnership decisions are made with full transparency and in the best interests of the country.
As the situation evolves, the public will be closely monitoring government actions and statements to discern the true nature of the partnership and its implications for JKIA’s future.
