President William Ruto has vowed his administration’s commitment to upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), even after canceling a multi-billion-shilling deal with the Adani Group due to legal complications.
Speaking on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ksh11 billion Devki iron ore pelletization plant in Manga, Taita Taveta County, he assured Kenyans that the airport project would proceed under a new framework.
“I want to assure Kenyans that a new airport will be constructed,” President Ruto declared.
He criticized those who celebrated the cancellation, highlighting the urgent need for modernization.
“Some people cheered when the deal was stopped, yet the airport roof is leaking and in a poor state.
“Other countries are building modern airports, while here, critics oppose progress without offering any alternative solutions.”
The President explained that the Adani deal was canceled because legal restrictions prohibit the government from working with investors facing specific challenges.
I will find new partners
However, he expressed confidence in finding new partners for the project.
“We may have stopped the Adani deal, but that doesn’t mean the airport upgrade will not happen. I was confident they could deliver, but now we will move forward with other investors,” he added.
Despite these reassurances, the cancellation has drawn intense scrutiny. Last week, both the National Assembly and the Senate demanded concrete evidence supporting the termination of the agreement.
The Senate debated the matter for three days, with lawmakers pressing for clarity on the President’s reasoning and the information behind his decision.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch expressed skepticism over the lack of transparency.
“Even after the President’s announcement, doubts remain about the details of the contracts involved in this Adani Group deal,” he said.
Other Senators argued that the failure to disclose specific evidence has only fueled public distrust towards the government
They called for a clear and transparent roadmap to ensure accountability as the government seeks new investors for JKIA’s critical upgrade.
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Legislators emphasized that while addressing legal and procedural issues is essential, the administration must maintain public trust to deliver vital infrastructure projects.
This controversy underscores the delicate balance between navigating legal challenges and demonstrating transparency in handling high-stakes national projects like JKIA’s modernization.
