President William Ruto on Wednesday weighed on the government’s decision to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Indian conglomerate Adani.
Speaking during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the Head of State noted that the proposed renovation and expansion of the country’s main airport was significant to enable it to host more visitors.
President Ruto in his speech noted that the government’s ambitious plan to expand JKIA would enable the main airport to host up to five million visitors by 2027.
According to Ruto, Kenya was among one of the best tourist destinations globally making the proposed revamp an utmost priority.
A collage of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and President William Ruto, August 28.
Photo
KAA, PCS
“We want to have five million tourists and that is the reason why we need to expand our airport and other facilities because we have the best premier destination in the world,” Ruto stated.
According to the president, the government would do everything within its means to ensure that it hits its target of five million tourists by 2027.
“By the end of 2023, Kenya welcomed over 2.3 million visitors generating Ksh350 billion in revenue, a clear indicator of a global appeal. Our target is to attract 5 million annually by 2027,” the Head of State said.
“Achieving this target requires concerted efforts from all sectors to position Kenya as a must-visit destination. Five million is attainable and by the end of this year, we will have received the highest number of tourists in history at 2.5 million.”
President Ruto’s sentiments come against the government’s imminent move to lease the country’s main airport to Adani.
In March, Adani Group submitted a proposal to take over the management of JKIA. The Indian company has proposed renovating JKIA by pumping in Ksh238 billion to bring it to the required standards and subsequently recoup its investment over 30 years.
However, details about the deal would later be leaked by a whistleblower leading to uproar from Kenyans and airport workers.
The High Court would later slam brakes on the deal, issuing orders temporarily halting the proposed takeover.
Travellers receiving services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Photo
Larry Madowo
