Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has urged President William Ruto to urgently seek private investors to redevelop the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after a deal with Adani Group flopped.

Taking to his official X account on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Kaluma said Kenya risks losing its status as a regional and international hub if the facility remains in its current state.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker described JKIA as “no better than a cowshed”, noting that its infrastructure is outdated and far below global standards expected of a country that brands itself as the gateway to East and Central Africa.

“Kenya can’t pride itself as a regional and international hub without a proper airport. JKIA is no better than a cowshed!” Kaluma stated.

He went ahead to call on the government to explore a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that would allow experienced global firms, including India’s Adani Group, which was initially rejected after public outcry, to take part in rebuilding and modernising the airport, while ensuring that national interests are safeguarded.

“Kindly get Adani or other investor(s) to rebuild JKIA under a public private partnership. We’ll secure our national interest in the PPP,” he wrote on X.

KAA’s JKIA upgrading plan

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) had earlier announced a new plan to upgrade JKIA and Wilson Airport after the collapse of a bid to hand over the operations of the regional gateway to India’s Adani Group.

The move comes amid mounting concerns over poor infrastructure, congestion, and safety risks at the country’s busiest aviation hubs.

Both airports are struggling with ageing facilities and years of stalled expansion. JKIA is overcrowded and operating beyond capacity, while Wilson has leaking roofs, outdated runways, and limited space for growth.

Despite increasing passenger and airline traffic, previous upgrade plans were delayed or abandoned.

Adani-JKIA deal cancelled

President William Ruto, in November 2024, announced the cancellation of two major infrastructure deals involving the Indian conglomerate Adani.

The agreements, which encompassed the expansion of JKIA and the KETRACO energy transmission project, were scrapped following revelations of potential integrity issues.

Speaking during a State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Ruto highlighted the significance of combating corruption, calling it a key priority for his administration.

“Of the many difficult assignments I have undertaken, this fight against corruption is one I now take on with resolve going forward. Let this serve as notice to all,” he said.