National pride at stake, JKIA needs urgent overhaul - Kaluma

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has called for an urgent overhaul of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that Kenya cannot continue to pride itself as a regional and international hub while its main gateway remains in a dilapidated state.

Kaluma, reacting to remarks made by President William Ruto during a National Youth Service pass-out parade in Gilgil, said the current condition of JKIA undermines Kenya’s image and weakens its aspirations as a continental hub.

“Kenya can’t pride itself as a regional and international hub without a proper airport,” Kaluma said.

He proposed that the government consider bringing in private investors, including India’s Adani Group, through a public-private partnership (PPP) to rebuild the facility.

According to him, a well-structured PPP would allow Kenya to safeguard its national interests while modernising the airport.

“Kindly get Adani or other investor(s) to rebuild JKIA under a public-private partnership. We’ll secure our national interest in the PPP,” he stated.

His remarks came after President Ruto, drawing from his recent visit to Japan, urged Kenyans to embrace higher standards of vision, ambition, and discipline.

 Ruto said he was struck by the order, prosperity, and infrastructure in developed nations, and challenged Kenya to match such achievements.

“I see their infrastructure, prosperity, and I ask, why not Kenya? Why not us?” the President posed.

In November 2024, Ruto ordered the immediate cancellation of the planned Adani Group takeover deal of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Ruto, at the same time, directed the cancellation of the signed deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company, Ketraco.

In his State of the Nation address at Parliament, Ruto said this was in view of new evidence by local investigative agencies and information from partner states that link the Indian conglomerate with graft.

"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 said.