Kenya – ‘I’m Not A Madman To Sell Kenya’s Airport’ – President Ruto Denies

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

President William Ruto has denied claims making rounds on social media, alleging his plans to sell the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

According to reports the government planned to sell the airport to an Asian investor, this led to protests from Kenyans, particularly the Gen Z youths.

However, speaking at a town hall meeting in Mombasa on Sunday, President Ruto clarified that the government is seeking investors to partner with under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to expand and improve the airport’s facilities.

He said: “The reports suggesting that we want to sell the airport are completely misleading.

“The airport we have in Nairobi is made of temporary structures that were set up almost seven years ago. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Rwanda have built brand new airports. We need to collaborate with investors to build a new, modern airport in Nairobi.

“Am I a madman? How do you sell a strategic national asset like an airport? It is unimaginable. The airport is crucial to our national interests, and our goal under the Public-Private Partnership Program is to enhance its facilities, not sell them.”

The President emphasized that many countries have successfully modernized their airports through Public- private Partnership arrangements, leading to significant improvements in infrastructure.

He highlighted that the existing facilities at JKIA have outlived their usefulness, necessitating an upgrade to meet current and future demands.

“We are about 10 years behind in modernizing our airports. It’s crucial to work with investors to bring our airports up to modern standards, as they are vital government assets,” he said.

President Ruto urged Kenyans not to fall for misleading reports and emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in the PPP process.

He also assured the public that all developments regarding the PPP will be communicated openly, ensuring that Kenyans are informed about the progress and specifics of the partnership.