Tensions are piling up over the contentious proposal despite the government arguing that the deal is a public-private partnership whose goal is to modernise the JKIA to international standards.
Kenya’s chances of building or expanding other airports across the country could be blocked in the event the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by India’s Adani Group becomes a reality, that is, according to sentiments by businessman and veteran hotelier, Mohammed Hersi.
Tensions are piling up over the contentious proposal despite the government arguing that the deal is a public-private partnership whose goal is to modernise the JKIA to international standards. However, Hersi on Sunday, September 8 warned that the Indian firm would impede Kenya’s realisation of her Vision 2030 goals.
In his words, shared on X, “As we discuss any PPP for JKIA, especially the Adani deal, please note that JKIA contributes 90% to KAA revenues and, by extension, profit.”
The businessman cautioned that the Adani agreement would render Kenya unable to build or expand another airport for 30 years, meaning the agreement would extinguish the dreams of Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and any future resort city under Vision 2030.
Moi International Airport in Mombasa. /WIKIPEDIA
The consequences of this on Mombasa in particular, as well as the Kenyan coast, include the degrading of its status as a premier tourist destination.
However, Hersi expressed his strong support for strategic investors but noted that serious investors come with strict corporate governance standards, lamenting the Kenyan government’s leadership whose strong dislike for good governance and transparency has been evident over the years.
He referenced similar circumstances where the national airline Kenya Airways had bid to take over the management of JKIA through a Privately Initiated Investment Proposal (PIIP), an event that was prevalent during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. “They were stopped in their tracks since the chaps behind the deal were salivating at the high-value real estate held by JKIA,” Hersi added.
He thus termed the Adani proposal as a bad deal, warning that other major airports such as the Moi International Airport stand to lose out amidst plans for it to be established as a significant secondary hub, saying it “will be neglected and rely on state rescue plans, just like Kisumu and Eldoret.”
Way forward
“If Adani or any other strategic investor would like to invest, let them be given land at Konza, which is our techno city, and they build a state-of-the-art airport with their funds. Kenya will be happy to retire JKIA to serve local and regional flights.
“Konza’s terrain and elevation are perfect and ideal; I am sure aviation experts will be delighted with that option. The implementation of the dual carriageway and rail connection significantly enhances Konza’s potential as a future city,” Hersi suggested.
He gave examples of Istanbul (Turkey), Kigali (Rwanda) and Ethiopia which have either moved to or have retired their airports to construct new and modern ones capable of handling increased volumes of passengers.
“Turkey, Rwanda & Ethiopia did not opt to panel beat a tired airport; if the Atartuk Airport was brought to Africa, it would still be the best in Africa just to show you how we lack vision as Africans, not because we lack resources. Istanbul did not wait they moved ahead.
“Rwanda is not waiting; they see the future. They are visionary, Kibaki, with Vision 2030, and Konza was way ahead of everyone else. This is what we desire, not the type of deal that companies like Adani are offering us. Are we that desperate or so ill-informed to fall into such a deal?” he posed.
With Hersi believing that Kenyans deserve better in terms of leadership, he proposed that the new airport be constructed at Konza Technopolis which will also open up Machakos, Kajiado, and Makueni Counties, saving residents the costs and travel times to JKIA from their homes.
“If we were not losing money through corruption, we could build our brand new airport at Konza without purported help from anyone. Well, I still choose to remain an optimist that Adani will not get anywhere near JKIA, and if we must develop JKIA, then let it be a competitive bid,” he suggested.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers protest the government’s plan to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Holdings Limited. /PHOTO
