The Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is calling upon the government to carefully evaluate its deal with Adani enterprises to upgrade JKIA and embrace transparency with relevant stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the engineers, JKIA’s modernization process is inevitable as other major airports in the region including those in Entebbe, Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Accra are also planning expansions in readiness for higher air traffic volumes.The society of over 12,000 engineers assessed that the current facilities in JKIA are old and dilapidated, including the airport’s terminals, air traffic management systems, and the runways.They have also requested the government to protect land that will be reserved for expansion of the airport’s facilities to prevent encroachment by residential developers, an occurrence that may endanger air traffic.“While external expertise and investment can be beneficial, it is essential to evaluate whether the involvement of external parties is necessary for all aspects of modernization. Local engineers and companies could handle many technical aspects, ensuring that the knowledge and benefits remain within the country,” said IEK in the statement.
Adani Group intends to upgrade the airport in three phases, according to the proposal it relayed to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). The first phase will include the construction of a new terminal building, repairing the existing terminals, a 4 by 4 lane linking two terminals, and a City side Development with a number of hotels.
These projects were slated to be accomplished in four years if the deal sails through.
IEK has enlisted some concerns with a number of Adani’s proposals, especially their intent to provide ILS CAT-1 facilities in 2046. According to the society, a more desirable deal would seek to improve these facilities to CAT II and CAT III.
The engineers did not perceive the City Side Development as a crucial necessity, proposing it to be delayed for more pressing challenges like the improvement of taxiways and airport parking stands.
“The proposal seems to mainly focus on the City Side Development. There is much focus on the setting aside of 30 acres for the CSD. This will not solve the immediate issues facing the airport, but rather tap into the opportunities that should follow the growth and expansion of the airport,” the engineers said.
The society has also urged the government to secure a more favourable deal to accomplish the airport’s renovation. This will only be achievable if the government rolled out a competitive bidding process in compliance with clause 37(1) (c) of the PPP Act 2021. The engineers have also stated that Adani’s deal did not quantify the amount of money they would invest in these projects, and how much revenue they would retain.
Last week, Adani revised some concession terms with KAA which would see the retention of the airport’s staff for two years before new terms are served when the time elapses. The decision was prompted by the workers’ uproar, fearing that they would lose their jobs to foreigners if the deal took effect. The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) had threatened to call for a disruptive strike by the end of last week if KAA did not abandon the deal with Adani.
The government has continued to defend the Adani deal affirming that the Indian company is well-positioned to manage the airport effectively. Currently, JKIA’s traffic has risen to 8.6 million passengers and that figure is projected to surpass 15 million by 2030. Kenyans have, however, casted doubt on the fairness of the 30-year concession, especially because of Adani’s blotted international reputation.
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