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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has refuted claims circulating in Kenyan media that the government plans to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to foreign investors.
Addressing the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday, Mudavadi emphasized that any decision to sell such a critical national asset would require extensive public consultation and approval by parliament.
Mudavadi stated unequivocally, “The airport is not on sale. This is a public asset, a strategic asset. If it was going to be sold, you can only do it after a full public process that parliament endorses.”
Instead of selling JKIA, Mudavadi outlined government plans to modernize the airport and construct a new terminal. He underscored the importance of transparency in the Kenya Airports Authority’s investment program, particularly during the expansion of the second terminal.
Senator Onyoka from Kisii has joined other legislators in publicly addressing concerns about the purported takeover of JKIA. He raised alarm over claims that the government had transferred airport ownership to undisclosed foreign entities.
The senator cited concerns from an unnamed French whistleblower alleging an agreement where a private company would manage JKIA for 30 years, retaining 18% equity afterward.
These reports have sparked public outcry, with plans for anti-government protests scheduled at JKIA on Tuesday under the banner ‘OccupyJKIA’.
However, police have cautioned against occupying the airport, stressing its status as a protected area in Kenya.
