Kipchumba Murkomen Clarifies Controversial Adani Deal: “I Did Not Sell JKIA!”
PHOTO: Sports, Youth Affairs, and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen
Sports, Youth Affairs, and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen faced the Committee on Appointments for vetting on Saturday. He clarified the details behind the controversial Adani Holdings proposal to renovate Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
The PPP Process Explained
Murkomen emphasized that the PPP deal involves a comprehensive process. No single individual, including a Cabinet Secretary, can unilaterally strike such a deal. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is currently reviewing Adani’s proposal to assess its suitability. After this review, KAA will submit the document to the PPP directorate at the National Treasury for public input.
If Adani meets the required threshold as a private sector partner, the process will advance to a contracting authority. This authority will then communicate with the Transport Ministry. The CS will review the proposal and write to the Attorney General, who will examine the deal and forward it to the Treasury CS. Finally, a memo will be presented to the Cabinet for approval if the deal satisfies all criteria.
Transparency and Assurance
Murkomen assured the public that such an elaborate process could not be managed by one person. The deal remains unsigned amid speculation about secrecy. He stated, “If someone wakes up and says such an elaborate process involves one individual…I have not, and do not have the capacity, to sell JKIA. A PPP process is a collective process. I want to assure you, JKIA is safe, your assets are safe.”
Public Participation and Disruptions
Murkomen highlighted that the public would have been informed during the public participation phase. This phase, scheduled for July, was disrupted by anti-government protests. He referenced the Nairobi Expressway as an example of a similar PPP deal. The government partnered with a Chinese firm to build and toll the road for 30 years before transferring it back to the State.
The President’s Stance
Murkomen noted, “The President has said it publicly, the people of Kenya need to be taken through the process of PPP. The PIP (Privately Initiated Proposal), which is the case of JKIA, is not the first one.” He explained that the first PIP was the Expressway, which the government evaluated, found a proper contractor for, and now has a contract period of 30 years, transferable back to the people of Kenya once the road is used and maintained.
Renovating JKIA
Murkomen explained that the Adani deal will help renovate one of Kenya’s major infrastructures. JKIA has faced criticism for lackluster facilities. He stated, “I want to assure Kenyans, where the proponent will build the terminal is only maybe 20, 30 acres, not the thousands of acres, only a small land that will be set aside where the proponent will build the terminal…and we need it, and if we don’t do it, we will become the last in the region. Ethiopia has defeated us, Rwanda is about to complete their airport, Tanzania has improved theirs.”
The Financial Needs
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi recently revealed that the government needs Ksh.260 billion to upgrade JKIA. The renovations include building a new passenger terminal, refurbishing existing terminals, constructing a second runway, and enhancing cargo handling facilities.
Moving Forward
Murkomen’s clarification comes amid rising concerns and misinformation about the Adani deal. By detailing the intricate PPP process and the need for public participation, he aims to reassure Kenyans about the safety and transparency of their assets. The renovation of JKIA is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the region. As neighboring countries advance their airport infrastructures, Kenya must follow suit to stay relevant.
Kipchumba Murkomen‘s clarification of the Adani Holdings proposal sheds light on the intricate and collective PPP process. His assurance of transparency and the safety of JKIA’s assets aims to quell public concerns. The upcoming renovations, though costly, are essential for Kenya to maintain its competitive edge in regional air travel. With clear communication and public participation, the country can move forward with confidence in its infrastructure development plans.
