Mudavadi Dismisses JKIA Sale Rumors Amidst Public Outcry

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has firmly refuted ongoing speculation that the Kenyan government is planning to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to foreign investors. The controversy has sparked widespread media coverage and prompted public protests, including a demonstration dubbed ‘OccupyJKIA’ planned for Tuesday.

The rumors gained traction over the past few weeks, leading to heightened public anxiety and legislative scrutiny. On Monday, Mudavadi addressed the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee to clarify the situation. He assured MPs that the government has no intention of selling the airport, emphasizing that such a significant transaction would require extensive public consultation and parliamentary approval.

“The airport is not on sale. This is a public asset, a strategic asset,” Mudavadi stated. He explained that any potential sale of such a high-value asset would necessitate a comprehensive public process and endorsement by parliament. This assurance was aimed at calming public fears and clarifying the government’s stance on the matter.

Mudavadi further revealed that the government’s plans for JKIA do not involve selling it but rather focus on modernization and expansion. Specifically, he mentioned plans to build a new terminal and to enhance the existing infrastructure. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has been tasked with overseeing these developments, and Mudavadi stressed the importance of transparency throughout the process. “The KAA must ensure that its investment program is conducted transparently, so that during the expansion of the second terminal, everything is done through the legal process,” he added.

Despite Mudavadi’s assurances, concerns persist among some legislators and the public. Kisii Senator Onyoka has been vocal about the issue, alleging that the government has transferred airport ownership to foreign entities. He claimed that the agreement involves a private company managing the airport for 30 years, after which they would retain 18 percent equity in the facility. Onyoka’s allegations are based on information from an unnamed French whistleblower, further fueling the controversy.

The public’s response to these allegations has been dramatic, with plans for an anti-government protest at JKIA scheduled for Tuesday. Organizers of the ‘OccupyJKIA’ protest aim to draw attention to their concerns over the alleged sale, demanding clarity and transparency from the government. However, the police have issued warnings against such demonstrations, highlighting that JKIA is a protected area and that occupying it could lead to legal repercussions.

The situation underscores a broader issue of trust and transparency in government dealings. As the country grapples with these allegations, the focus will likely remain on the government’s handling of JKIA’s future and the ongoing efforts to address public concerns.

In conclusion, while the government has sought to reassure the public and clarify its intentions regarding JKIA, the rumors and protests reflect a deeper unease about transparency and accountability in Kenya’s management of strategic national assets. The coming days may see further developments as the government continues to address these concerns and as the planned protest unfolds.