Tuwache upuzi! We need to build a new airport, Ruto says

President William Ruto has defended his administration’s plan to upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), dismissing claims that the government intends to sell the facility.

The President said the current condition of JKIA is unacceptable and requires major investment, noting that some sections of the airport are so run-down they now rely on temporary repairs.

Ruto said the government will partner with private investors to mobilise about Sh200 billion to modernise JKIA, adopting a model similar to the one used by Qatar to finance Rwanda’s international airport.

“We need to build a new airport, tuwache upuzi! We need to build a new airport, friends, honestly. What do we have at JKIA, canvas on the runway? People are saying that I want to sell the airport; sell it for what purpose?” Ruto said.

He added that discussions with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha focused on collaboration to develop JKIA and support Kenya Airways under a public-private partnership framework.

“The kind of investment JKIA needs is around Sh200 billion. Kenya doesn’t have to use public funds; this can be achieved through the private sector,” the President said.

On Tuesday, President Ruto met Sheikh Tamim on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, where the two leaders agreed to expand Qatar’s investment footprint in Kenya, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and finance.

Ruto said Kenya and Qatar enjoy a strong partnership based on a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in key sectors that can accelerate development and deliver mutual benefits.

In November 2024, President Ruto ordered the cancellation of the planned takeover of JKIA by India’s Adani Group, as well as a separate deal involving the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco).

During his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, Ruto said the cancellations followed new evidence from local investigative agencies and partner states linking the transactions to possible corruption.

Honourable Members, I have stated in the past and reiterate today that, in the face of credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” Ruto said.

“Accordingly, I now direct, in furtherance of the principles of transparency and accountability under Article 10 of the Constitution and based on new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations, that the procuring entities in the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership,” he added.