Ruto Defends Controversial JKIA Lease Deal, Says It Will Drive Tourism Growth
President William Ruto has thrown his weight behind the proposed expansion and leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Indian conglomerate Adani Group, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project for Kenya’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Ruto underscored the need to revamp the country’s largest airport, citing its pivotal role in boosting Kenya’s ability to host more international visitors.
According to the Head of State, the proposed expansion is expected to transform JKIA into a global hub capable of handling five million tourists annually by 2027.
“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,” President Ruto said.
He further noted that the expansion would be critical in accommodating the rising demand and solidifying Kenya’s position as a top tourist destination globally.
The ambitious target is not without precedent. Ruto revealed that by the end of 2023, Kenya had already welcomed over 2.3 million visitors, generating Ksh350 billion in revenue from tourism.
He confidently projected that the country would see an even greater influx of tourists in the coming years, thanks to strategic infrastructure improvements like the JKIA expansion.
“By the end of this year, we will have received the highest number of tourists in history at 2.5 million,” Ruto stated, expressing optimism about hitting the five million visitor target by 2027. “Achieving this target requires concerted efforts from all sectors to position Kenya as a must-visit destination.”
However, the proposal to lease JKIA to Adani has not been without controversy. In March, the Indian conglomerate submitted a proposal to inject Ksh238 billion into upgrading the airport, with plans to recoup the investment over a 30-year period.
But after the details of the deal were leaked by a whistleblower, the move was met with public outrage, particularly from airport workers. The High Court later issued a temporary order halting the proposed takeover.
Despite the legal challenges, Ruto remains steadfast in his belief that the expansion is essential for Kenya’s future as a premier global tourist destination.
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Ruto Defends Controversial JKIA Lease Deal, Says It Will Drive Tourism Growth
