There have been recent discussions about the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) possibly being leased to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has received an investment proposal from Adani Airport Holdings to operate JKIA under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
This deal has sparked debate, with concerns about transparency and the potential impacts on both the airport’s operations and the local community.
The proposed plan involves significant upgrades, including a new passenger terminal and a second runway
KAA confirmed that the deal is under review, and it will undergo financial, legal, and technical evaluations before being finalized.
Critics have raised questions about the selection process and the lack of public disclosure on key details of the agreement.
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Contrary to rumors, the proposal does not suggest that travelers will need a visa to fly from Nairobi to Mombasa or that the airport will drastically change its character.
However, the partnership with Adani might alter how services are managed, and some fear this could increase fees for airlines and passengers.
Despite these concerns, the KAA has assured that no jobs will be lost and that the upgrade will improve the airport’s regional competitiveness.
