Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has sounded alarm over the state of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), calling for an urgent overhaul to restore Kenya’s reputation as a regional and international aviation hub.
Kaluma argued that Kenya cannot continue branding itself as the gateway to Africa while its main airport remains in a dilapidated condition. “Kenya can’t pride itself as a regional and international hub without a proper airport,” he said.
The legislator proposed that the government consider engaging private investors under a public-private partnership (PPP) to modernise JKIA. He specifically pointed to India’s Adani Group and other potential investors, insisting that a well-structured partnership would protect national interests while delivering world-class infrastructure.
“Kindly get Adani or other investor(s) to rebuild JKIA under a public-private partnership. We’ll secure our national interest in the PPP,” Kaluma stated.
His remarks followed President William Ruto’s comments at the National Youth Service pass-out parade in Gilgil, where the Head of State challenged Kenyans to embrace higher standards of discipline, vision, and ambition. Ruto, fresh from a visit to Japan, said he was impressed by the country’s infrastructure and prosperity, urging Kenyans to adopt a similar mindset. “I see their infrastructure, prosperity, and I ask, why not Kenya? Why not us?” he posed.
However, Kaluma’s suggestion reignites a sensitive debate. In November 2024, President Ruto ordered the cancellation of a planned Adani Group takeover of JKIA, citing corruption concerns. The President also terminated a signed deal between Adani and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), pointing to credible evidence of graft provided by local and international investigative agencies.
“Honourable members, I have stated in the past and now reiterate today that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” Ruto declared in his State of the Nation address.
The standoff highlights a delicate balance between Kenya’s urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and the necessity of safeguarding sovereignty and integrity in strategic national assets. For now, the future of JKIA’s much-needed overhaul remains uncertain.
