Kenya Air Operators Demand Stakeholder Involvement in JKIA Concession

The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) is urging a review of the proposed concession process for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). During their board meeting on 4th October 2024, KAAO members expressed concerns about the current concession plan and its implications for Kenya’s main airport.

In a press release they shared;

After thoroughly reviewing the proposal, the KAAO Board stated that it does not support the concession in its current form. They highlighted several issues, including the fact that the process only involves one bidder, which raises questions about its fairness and transparency. The Board also pointed out concerns about the credibility of the proposed partner.

KAAO emphasized the importance of a competitive and transparent bidding process, following all the steps outlined in Kenya’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act. The board recommended that a clear vision for JKIA’s future, aligned with Kenya’s National Aviation Policy and a well-developed master plan, should guide the concession process. They also noted that a proper feasibility study, involving all stakeholders, is essential to ensure that the concession benefits everyone, including operators, users, and the public.

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The Board called for a return to the drawing board to develop a shared vision for JKIA. They stressed the need for improvements like a second runway and terminal expansions to position JKIA as a top-tier regional aviation hub. According to KAAO, an inclusive process would help JKIA reach its full potential, especially as competition grows in the region.

The Board also expressed disappointment over the lack of early stakeholder involvement in this important project for Kenya’s aviation sector. They shared a detailed memorandum with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) outlining their concerns, based on documents provided after a stakeholder meeting on 29th August 2024. These documents included the Head of Terms Agreement and a feasibility report by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL). However, KAAO noted that the financial model was missing, which limits their ability to assess the overall feasibility of the proposal.