The Board of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has officially initiated a call for an in-depth review of the Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) concession process related to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This significant request follows an extensive internal evaluation by KAAO, spurred by mounting concerns and feedback from its membership base, and was formally announced after the Board convened for a meeting on October 4, 2024.
During their deliberations, the KAAO Board articulated profound reservations regarding the existing framework of the JKIA concession process. A point of contention was the proposed singular bidding approach, which is intended for the management and operational oversight of this critical national infrastructure asset. KAAO’s leadership underscored that utilizing a one-bidder process fundamentally undermines the transparency and competitive spirit that should characterize any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of such magnitude, where robust competition is essential to safeguarding national interests.
In a detailed statement issued following their meeting, KAAO representatives highlighted that the association’s membership is united in the belief that the current structure of the JKIA concession is not aligned with Kenya’s best interests, both economically and strategically. They raised significant concerns regarding the credibility and qualifications of the potential private partner involved in the process. In light of these apprehensions, the association is advocating for a comprehensive and transparent bidding process that invites multiple stakeholders to participate. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines established under the Kenya PPP Act to guarantee fairness and optimize outcomes for all involved entities.
The Board maintained that implementing a one-bidder framework for a high-stakes infrastructure asset like JKIA stands at odds with Kenya’s long-term development objectives. KAAO has thus recommended that the concession bidding process be opened to a competitive pool of interested parties. This diversification would promote a more equitable and transparent selection criterion, aligning with principles outlined in the National Aviation Policy. Furthermore, they suggested that a thoughtfully designed master plan for the airport’s development should be established, as this could ignite transformative upgrades to Kenya’s primary aviation hub.
The association emphasized the urgent need for delineating a clear, forward-looking vision for JKIA, a vision that should be shaped through robust stakeholder engagement. KAAO insists that a comprehensive feasibility study is imperative, and should be undertaken prior to any concession activities proceeding. They believe such a study would yield insights critical to understanding the needs and expectations of various operators, end-users, and the general public, thus ensuring the concession plan developed is optimal for the country’s interests.
A key demand resonating among KAAO’s members is the prioritization of stakeholder engagement throughout the concession process. The association advocates for a collaborative framework, ensuring that all parties—including airlines, airport authorities, and government representatives—participate actively from the very start, thereby fostering a cohesive vision for JKIA’s evolution. In their discussions, KAAO pointed out that essential infrastructural projects, such as the construction of a second runway and necessary terminal expansions, must be integral to any concession strategy to uphold JKIA’s status as a premier aviation hub in the region.
In light of escalating competition from other regional airports, KAAO firmly believes that JKIA can only fulfil its full potential through a meticulously crafted development strategy. Should the proposed concession process be implemented judiciously, it could pave the way for critical infrastructure enhancements—boosting JKIA’s capacity and effectiveness in accommodating increasing passenger and cargo traffic.
The KAAO Board strongly urged a return to foundational discussions regarding the JKIA concession process, emphasizing a renewed dedication to collaboration, transparency, and adherence to competitive practices. They reiterated that the ultimate goal should be to transform JKIA into a vibrant, world-class aviation hub that benefits not only Kenya but also the broader East African region.
This position encapsulates the deep-rooted concerns shared among Kenyan air operators regarding JKIA’s future. Given the airport’s strategic significance within the nation’s aviation landscape, any concession proposals must be subject to thorough evaluation to ensure that Kenya’s long-term aspirations, alongside the interests of all stakeholders, receive due consideration.
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