KAA calls for public input on airport plans months after collapse of controversial Adani deal
In a notice issued on Sunday, KAA announced that it is in the process of developing integrated master plans for both JKIA and Wilson airports to guide future expansion and improve service delivery.
Kenyans have been invited to share their views on the planned upgrades of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport, as the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) begins work on long-term master plans for the two facilities.
Public forums will be held across various Nairobi estates between July 21 and 28 to incorporate citizen feedback into the proposed developments.
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In a notice issued on Sunday, KAA announced that it is in the process of developing integrated master plans for both airports to guide future expansion and improve service delivery.
“The Kenya Airports Authority is developing the Integrated Master Plans for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport to guide future developments and enhance service delivery,” KAA said.
Strategic environmental, social assessment
The authority noted that a strategic environmental and social assessment (SESA) is currently underway as part of the planning process, in compliance with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999. The assessment is being carried out by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), in collaboration with Geodev Kenya Ltd.
“The SESA process requires broad stakeholder engagement, involving neighbouring communities, organisations, and individuals who may be affected by, or have an interest in, the planning and future operations of the two airports,” reads the notice.
KAA has invited interested individuals and organisations to participate in a series of six public forums scheduled in areas surrounding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport.
For Wilson Airport, the forums will begin on July 21 at the Lang’ata DCC Boardroom in Nairobi West, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A second session is set for July 23 at the South C CDF Hall, followed by the final meeting on July 28 at Mugumoini Chief’s Grounds in Lang’ata—both also running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Regarding JKIA, the first forum will take place on July 22 at Syokimau Chief’s Grounds, followed by meetings on July 24 at Embakasi Social Hall and July 25 at Mihang’o Chief’s Office in Utawala, all scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Development of master plans
KAA stated that the primary goal of these forums is to inform the public and stakeholders about the planned development of master plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport, outline the scope of the planning process, and gather feedback, concerns, and suggestions from the community.
“The main purpose of these meetings is to inform the public and stakeholders about KAA’s intention to develop the JKIA and Wilson Airport master plans, explain the scope of the planning process, and gather input, views, and concerns,” KAA said.
“Your participation will help shape the future of these airports and ensure that community issues are well understood and taken into account,” it added, urging Kenyans to take part in the forums.
The call for public participation comes in the wake of last year’s uproar over a controversial deal that sought to hand over the management of key national infrastructure—including JKIA—to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.
Adani deals cancelled
President William Ruto was forced to cancel the agreement in November 2024 following sustained public pressure, fuelled by corruption allegations against Adani in the United States.
The US government had charged Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, with allegedly paying bribes amounting to Sh30 billion to secure solar energy contracts from the Indian government. The scandal sparked national outrage in Kenya after it emerged that the Adani Group was also in talks to take over parts of the country’s energy and aviation sectors.
In response to the public backlash, President Ruto ordered the immediate termination of all proposed agreements involving the Adani Group.
“I have directed the Ministries of Transport and Energy to cancel all ongoing negotiations and deals with the Adani Group concerning Kenya’s energy and aviation sectors,” Ruto said during his State of the Nation Address on November 21, 2024.
He added that the decision was informed by credible evidence presented by relevant government agencies regarding the corruption charges facing the Indian tycoon.
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