The controversial proposed deal by Indian firm Adani Airport Holdings to take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a period of thirty years continues to generate heat amongst Kenyans.
The deal, which was single-sourced has been widely criticized. In one objection, Mohammed Hersi, a respected Kenyan hotelier and tourism expert, has noted that the JKIA should not be handled or given away as casually as is being attempted.
According to Mr. Hersi, the JKIA is a hot cake that in an open and transparent call out for investors would attract prime investors at far better and dignified terms than the singly-sourced thirty year term from India’s Adani Airport Holdings ‘proposal’. Here is what Mr. Hersi says:
“The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kenya’s aviation is not some rathole. Make it public that you need investors and you’ll be spoilt for choice. We have serious investors globally who are looking for places to invest.
Kenya’s location in Africa is God given, Heart of Africa. Why is Adani special? Qatar Airways and Qatar government have partnered with Rwandair and Government of Rwanda. Now that is a serious partner with a leading airline.
Make it public; not only is JKIA a hot place to invest but Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi airports are also. We are in 2024, the era of right to information; we ain’t in the 80s of the Goldenberg era .
Donald Kipkorir: Proposed Indian firm’s JKIA takeover stinks to high heavens
JKIA is a true hub in Africa; it’s the heart of Africa. We must chase away willy dealers and kickback masters who muddle everything.
JKIA is not desperate for an investor to a point where [we are being given conditions by Adani Airport Holdings]. It is Kenya who should be laying down the ground rules. The Adani deal is a non starter.
The Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Act is clear; a hub like the JKIA should not be single sourcing for a partner or even worse, sit back and wait for a private bid initiative. That is being lazy and the now former Transport Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen failed us in that regard.”
