Onyonka Reveals Adani’s Takeover of Kenya’s JKIA and All Airstrips

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has exposed fresh details about the contentious agreement between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Adani Airport Holdings. His revelations come shortly after President William Ruto remarks on the matter.

Onyonka claims that the public may not know the full extent of the deal. He revealed that Adani Airport Holdings will manage not just JKIA but all airstrips across Kenya.

“It’s not just JKIA. Adani will oversee all airstrips in Kenya. There should have been public participation and stakeholder consultations. This deal could lead to job losses for many Kenyans,” Onyonka stated.

Onyonka Challenges Ruto to Reveal Documents

Senator Onyonka has called on President Ruto to release the documents related to the deal. He criticized the lack of transparency and the contradictory statements from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

“I urge President Ruto to make the documents available to the Senate. This will clear up the confusion if their claims are true. KAA admitted there was an agreement, so why is Mudavadi denying it?” Onyonka questioned.

The senator also emphasized that managing the airport involves national security, arguing that it should not fall into private hands.

“A parliamentary committee has recommended that national airstrips should not be privatized due to security concerns,” he added.

KAA’s Response

KAA CEO has assured that no jobs will be lost due to the deal. He explained that the proposal will undergo technical, financial, and legal reviews in compliance with the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021.

“Our staff’s jobs are safe. The expansion will create more business opportunities and benefits for the airport community,” KAA stated.

Ruto Addresses JKIA Sale Rumors

During a town hall meeting in Mombasa on July 28, President Ruto denied claims that the government plans to sell JKIA. He explained that upgrading the airport through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) is crucial.

“The Nairobi airport is outdated and inadequate. Ethiopia and Rwanda have modern airports. We need private sector investment to upgrade JKIA,” Ruto said.

He dismissed accusations of selling a strategic national asset and stressed the importance of blending private and public investments to benefit Kenya.

“We need the right investment to improve the airport. Let’s work with investors to build a new Nairobi airport. We’re not selling it; we’re enhancing it through PPP,” Ruto concluded.

If Adani Airport Holdings takes over JKIA management, expect major layoffs and drastic changes in employment terms for current KAA staff.

The company also demands the Kenyan government fast-track visas for a contingent of Indian expatriates and their families, claiming their specialized expertise is crucial for the airport’s success.