Kenya’s government has hinted on its recent plans to construct a new airport that will replace the existing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir noted that the decision was taken to address the infrastructural challenges. He noted this at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi. The country grapples with ways to improve its position as a major player in the aviation sector, with the new airport providing hope. “You do appreciate that we do not have an airport; our airport was burnt at sometime around 2013/2014. Our attempts to build a new airport have met challenges due to the democratic space we are in,” Chirchir said. The cabinet secretary also noted that they are in the process of building a new airport that will be an anchor state. The aim of the project is to attract people as a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will facilitate transportation.
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The Scope of Implementation on the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Chirchir noted that the government will leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the construction of the Jomo Kenyatta international airport. Through this, it will drive infrastructure upgrades despite past setbacks. One of this is the cancellation of the Adani deal for JKIA’s upgrade in November last year. Treasury CS, John Mbadi, noted that the government has set its eyes on completing all the new project timelines. President William Ruto directed CS Chirchir and his Energy counterpart Opiyo Wandayi to end the then ongoing public-private partnership discussion with Adani Group Holding.
The Head of State stated that his directive was motivated by the availability of undisputed evidence or credible information on graft. Meanwhile, the indications on the upgrade have been touted in the past. This includes a recent one where the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) called for public input for the upcoming future developments. These include plans on upgrading the Wilson Airport and JKIA. The announcement comes days after the government revealed its plans to improve the JKIA. It includes the construction of runways, airside access roads and baggage handling system.
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