This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
December 11, 2019, marked a significant turning point in Kenya's aviation sector, as the country's expansion plans for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were put to the test.
The proposed expansion of JKIA has been a topic of debate for years, with the government and private investors locked in a battle over who will benefit from the development.
Initially, the Greenfield Terminal was set to be built next to the current airport at a cost of Sh56 billion during the Kibaki Administration. However, the project was cancelled in 2016, citing it as a non-priority.
Interestingly, the government went on to prioritize other projects, including scandalous dams in the Rift Valley and the Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme, which may end up wasting more resources without any returns.
Meanwhile, Chinese firms contracted to build the Greenfield Terminal are now claiming Sh17.6 billion for breach of contract, highlighting the potential costs of abandoning the project.
The situation has taken a new turn with Rwanda's announcement of a joint venture with Qatar Airways to build an airport with double the capacity of JKIA.
This development should raise concerns in Kenya, given the political muscle of Qatar Airways and the potential impact on regional aviation.
With Kenya's public debt and ailing national carrier, Kenya Airways, the country's resources may not be enough to counter the influence of Qatar Airways.
It is imperative that the government takes swift action to resolve outstanding issues and restructure Kenya Airways and JKIA to avoid being left behind.
