The Board of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) called for a review of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) Concession Process on October 4.
In a statement, the Board indicated that it arrived at this decision after endorsing the views of its members.
“The Board of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), at its regular meeting on 4th October 2024, considered, among other things, the proposed JKIA concession.
The Board endorsed the views of its membership regarding the concession after a detailed review process involving its members, culminating in a presentation and a final review at the Board,” part of the statement read.
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According to the Association, members agreed not to support the concession of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as currently conceived.
They argued that the stakes are too high for a one-bidder process for such an important strategic asset and that the credibility of the potential partner is also in question.
Instead, they recommended that the best approach in this complex eco-system would be for a competitive and transparent bidding process with all the steps envisaged in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act correctly followed.
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The Board further recommended that a clear vision of the end game for Kenya needed to be articulated, starting with adherence to the principles laid out in the National Aviation Policy and a well-developed JKIA masterplan which should form the business case for a concession process.
Additionally, members do not support the JKIA concession having reflected on the need for a feasibility study involving all stakeholders, it was observed that this process had not taken place.
Other demands issued by the Air Operators
The members argued that the feasibility study would give all stakeholders – operators, users, and the public, the best value from the concession agreement.
At the same time, the Board confirmed that it advocates for a return to the drawing board, where a collaborative vision for JKIA’s future can be established; one that prioritizes the critical development of a second runway, terminal expansions, and ensures that every stakeholder has an opportunity to contribute from the outset.
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According to the Association, this inclusive approach is vital for ensuring that JKIA maximizes its full potential as a dynamic, world-class aviation hub, particularly in the face of fierce regional competition.
About the Kenya Association of Air Operators
The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) is a registered National Umbrella Body mandated to provide an authoritative and unified voice of advocacy for the Kenyan aviation industry.
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