By Shadrack Nyakoe
The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has called for a thorough review of the proposed concession process for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), citing concerns over transparency, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Following a comprehensive assessment at its October 4, 2024, board meeting, KAAO concluded that the current one-bidder process for the concession of such a critical national asset lacks credibility.
The association highlighted doubts regarding the potential partner’s reliability and emphasized the need for a competitive, transparent bidding process in line with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act.
KAAO stressed that a clear vision for Kenya’s aviation future, rooted in the principles of the National Aviation Policy and an updated JKIA master plan, is essential.
The board noted that a feasibility study involving all stakeholders had not been conducted, which undermines efforts to maximize the airport’s potential as a world-class aviation hub amidst growing regional competition.
The association urged a return to the drawing board to develop a collaborative and inclusive approach.
It recommended prioritizing strategic projects such as a second runway and terminal expansions to ensure JKIA remains competitive.
KAAO also expressed disappointment over the lack of early stakeholder engagement in shaping this critical initiative.
It reviewed a detailed memorandum on the concession proposal, shared with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), addressing issues arising from documents presented during a stakeholder briefing on August 29, 2024.
These documents included the Head of Terms Agreement (August 13, 2024) and reports from Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL).
However, the exclusion of the financial model from these documents raised significant questions about the proposal’s feasibility and sustainability.
KAAO continues to advocate for a robust, stakeholder-driven process that ensures the concession delivers value and positions JKIA as a globally competitive aviation hub.
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