NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) is calling for a competitive and transparent bidding process in the government’s efforts to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The board emphasizes that any development plans for the airport must align with the National Aviation Policy and a well-thought-out JKIA master plan, which should serve as the foundation for any concession process.
KAAO has expressed reservations about the current concession proposal for JKIA, raising concerns about the lack of competition and transparency in the process.
“The Board in its deliberations confirmed that it does not support the concession of JKIA as currently conceived, noting further that the stakes are too high for a one-bidder process for such an important strategic asset, and that the credibility of the potential partner is also in question,” the association stated.
This comes after plans to lease the airport to Adani Airport Holdings were halted by the High Court last month.
The leasing process, initiated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), was challenged by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), leading to a temporary stop until further review .
KAAO insists that any future concession plans should prioritize critical infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a second runway and terminal expansions, which are essential for improving the airport’s capacity and operations.
The association also called for full consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure that the modernization aligns with the broader goals of Kenya’s aviation sector.
“The Board observed that given JKIA’s strategic position, there had been in the past several Public-Private Partnerships and Expressions of Interest, which further supported the call for a competitive process,” KAAO added.
As JKIA remains a key gateway for East Africa, the debate over its modernization has attracted significant attention.
