Nairobi, long touted as the gateway to East Africa and a burgeoning regional hub for transport and investment, faces a critical juncture. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has voiced profound concern over the recent cancellation of a vital airport expansion contract between the Government of Kenya and the Adani Group, labeling the decision a significant strategic blunder. His warning comes with a stark prediction: failure to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) threatens to undermine Nairobi's hard-won regional dominance, ceding ground to ambitious rivals.
Speaking at the third Executive Retreat convened by President William Ruto in Karen, Mr. Odinga provided a historical perspective on the contentious contract. He recalled the original awarding of the Greenfield Terminal contract in 2012, a monumental project he co-led with the late President Mwai Kibaki. With a tone of lament, he expressed deep disappointment that years of political meddling and inconsistent policy had continuously hampered the much-needed modernization of what is undeniably Kenya's most crucial air transport facility. "I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract with Adani. That was very unfortunate. Several contracts have been canceled," he stated, highlighting a pattern of disruption that directly impacts national development.
The former Prime Minister's concern is rooted in the understanding that a modern, expanded airport is not merely an infrastructure project but a cornerstone of economic competitiveness. He charged, "If the airport is not expanded, Nairobi will become dormant," painting a vivid picture of a once-vibrant hub losing its dynamism and relevance. Odinga noted that the contract, which had initially seen a revival and re-award to Adani, once again found itself jeopardized by "politics," with seemingly little regard for its long-term implications on Kenya’s global standing and economic trajectory.
Raila's warning extends beyond domestic concerns, focusing sharply on the intensifying regional competition. He cautioned that Kenya's failure to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport could create an open invitation for other East African capitals, particularly Kigali and Addis Ababa, to seize regional air transport dominance. "We have to put up a big airport in Nairobi. If we don’t do it, Rwanda is going to do it, and Kigali will become the hub around here," he stressed, underscoring the proactive steps being taken by regional competitors. He further added, "In Addis Ababa, they are already putting up a new big airport. Ethiopian Airlines is now the dominant carrier in the continent. Kenya Airways can do the same." This observation highlights the aggressive strategies of neighboring nations to position themselves as Africa's premier aviation hubs, a challenge Kenya cannot afford to ignore.
Expanding on the broader significance of air transport to national development, the former Prime Minister also called for a fundamental shift in how Kenya Airways (KQ) is managed. He proposed that the national carrier should not be viewed merely as a commercial entity solely focused on profit, but rather as a strategic national asset crucial for broader national growth. "Kenya Airways can be the carrier in the continent but we are not doing it and we need to find a way," he argued. He drew a compelling parallel with global success stories, stating, "Look at Emirates airlines, people there do not look at that airline for making profits, it’s a vehicle bringing investors, tourists and shoppers to Emirates. KQ can make losses so long as it’s bringing people to our country." This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift, urging decision-makers to prioritize KQ's role in facilitating trade, tourism, and investment, thereby contributing to the larger national economy, even if it means short-term commercial losses.
