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Nelson Amenya responds to Ruto’s promise to build new airport
05th November, 2025 07:31 PM
Nelson Amenya, the famous JKIA Adani deal whistleblower, has openly told President William Ruto that the idea of building a new airport is good and that no Kenyan is against development.
Through his X handle on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, where he shared a video of President Ruto speaking in Qatar, Amenya said Kenyans fully agree that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport needs improvement.
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However, he added that what Kenyans question is the transparency, accountability, and the people involved in making such big decisions.
He said Kenyans want to know who is bringing the investment, how the deals are structured, and whether the process is clean and fair.
Amenya explained that the issue has never been about development itself, but about trust.
Nelson Amenya’s message about JKIA
“How many times do we have to keep saying we all agree on what needs to be done at JKIA?” Amenya wrote.
“But the how is where we are not on the same page. Just be transparent and accountable with the whole process, allow public scrutiny and participation, and nobody will have an issue,” the activist added.
Also watch: Ruto pushes for African inclusion in global leadership during Qatar’s visit
Amenya said every Kenyan wants to see modern facilities that can help attract tourists, improve trade, and make travel easier.
But he warned that such projects should not be used to benefit a few individuals or burden taxpayers with hidden costs.
He urged the government to share all details of any planned partnerships, including investors’ names, agreements, and timelines.
According to him, when citizens are informed and involved, they are more likely to support projects wholeheartedly.
“No one hates progress. What people hate is corruption and secrecy. If you tell Kenyans the truth and involve them in the process, they will support you,” he added.
Ruto’s tough remarks to Kenyans
President William Ruto, who is currently touring Qatar, declared that Kenya must build an ultra-modern international airport to match global standards.
He said JKIA is congested and outdated, and that it can no longer serve the country’s growing aviation and tourism needs.
“And we need to build a new airport, tuwache upuzi,” Ruto said as the audience burst into laughter. “Friends, honestly, sasa kama JKIA canva iko kwa runway, sasa tunadefend nini?
Also watch: Ruto says diaspora bond will boost Kenyans abroad
“And you see some people here are saying, you know, Ruto wants to sell the airport. Mimi nauza airport niifanyie kitu gani?”
The President dismissed claims that the government wants to sell JKIA, saying it will instead work with the private sector to build and modernise facilities through partnerships.
He explained that countries like Qatar and Rwanda have already used this model successfully.
Ruto said Kenya must stop wasting time on endless arguments and instead focus on thinking big, dreaming big, and building big.
