Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced that the government is actively seeking new investors to partner in the refurbishment of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking in Kisumu on Saturday, November 23, Mbadi revealed that the government remains open to proposals from interested private entities, following the cancellation of the Adani Group’s bid for the project.
“The Adani procurement system was a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP), which can be terminated at any time before a contract is signed. If another party presents a better deal, we can drop the current one and engage them,” Mbadi explained.
He emphasized the need for urgent investment in modernizing JKIA, describing the facility as outdated and uncompetitive compared to other airports in the region.
“JKIA is now outdated and dilapidated. It is not an airport that can compete with others in the region. Kenya has been leading as an economic hub, and we must maintain that status by upgrading the airport,” Mbadi stated.
The Treasury CS also extended an invitation to potential investors, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring JKIA regains its position as a leading aviation hub.
“There are many investors out there. We welcome them to engage with us and partner with the government to develop JKIA because it is a priority,” he noted.
The search for new partners follows President William Ruto’s directive to terminate the Kenya Airports Authority’s (KAA) deal with the Adani Group. While announcing the cancellation, Ruto instructed relevant procurement bodies to find alternative private entities to spearhead the airport’s refurbishment.
