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President William Ruto Tuesday, December 3, renewed his pledge to transform Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class facility. He said his administration is dedicated to pursuing credible partnerships for the ambitious project.
Speaking during a public address at Manga in Taita Taveta, Ruto expressed regret over the stalled progress at JKIA, blaming what he termed as misplaced criticism and lack of patriotism among some Kenyans. He criticized those who had celebrated the cancellation of a deal with the Adani Group, insisting that the focus should remain on the pressing need to modernize the airport.
“We do not have a spare country,” the President said. “We must be patriots and defend our country. We must work together to ensure Kenya achieves its potential.”
The quest to upgrade JKIA, East Africa’s busiest airport, has been riddled with challenges. In November 2024, a partnership with India’s Adani Group was abruptly terminated following bribery allegations against the conglomerate’s chairman, Gautam Adani, in the United States. The fallout dealt a major blow to the project, which had been touted as a significant step in boosting Kenya’s position as a regional transport hub.
While some Kenyans raised concerns over the credibility of the Adani Group due to controversies in other countries, others criticized the lack of transparency in the deal. However, the cancellation left the airport’s much-needed facelift in limbo. JKIA, which handles millions of passengers annually, has faced increasing pressure to modernize its aging infrastructure to keep up with international standards and rising demand.
Despite the setbacks, President Ruto assured Kenyans that his government is working to find a reliable partner to revive the project. He outlined his vision for a revamped airport, complete with updated facilities and infrastructure that would rival the best in the world.
“We are going to build a new airport because we are going to get a new framework,” he stated. “We will work with people who believe in Kenya because that is the future we want to create.”
Ruto accused many of his detractors of lacking firsthand knowledge of the airport’s deteriorating condition. He argued that those opposing the project had never visited JKIA and were unaware of the urgent repairs required to restore the facility’s functionality.
The President called for unity and a shared commitment to national development, urging Kenyans to rise above petty divisions and focus on the bigger picture.
Built in the late 1970s, JKIA has long been a gateway for travelers to and from Kenya, connecting the country to global destinations. However, years of neglect and underfunding have left the airport struggling to meet international standards. Issues such as overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient amenities have tarnished its reputation, putting Kenya at risk of losing its competitive edge as a regional aviation hub.
Ruto’s administration sees the airport’s modernization as a cornerstone of its economic agenda, aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and investment.
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