Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris has slammed Kenyans on X for condemning her support of Indian conglomerate Adani Enterprises in the planned takeover of the operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Citizens have been expressing concerns about the decision to allow a foreign company to manage one of Kenya’s key infrastructural assets.
In a statement shared on her X account on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Passaris urged Kenyans to take a more objective approach and refrain from making hasty judgments. She emphasised the importance of critically analysing situations before jumping to conclusions, pointing out that constructive dialogue is more beneficial than criticism based on incomplete information.
“Take a break KOX. Going on airplane mode. Then listen to my interview and internalise before you text or call. Firing without a target is wasted energy. Always aim high. Always look at the bright side of things. Always be objective.
“Every step doesn’t have to be hate and war. I have confidence our President @WilliamsRuto strives daily to do his best for Kenya,” Passaris wrote in her statement.
Take a break KOX. Going on airplane mode. Then listen to my interview and internalise before you text or call. Firing without a target is wasted energy. Always aim high. Always look at the bright side of things. Always be objective. Every step doesn’t have to be hate and war. I…
— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) September 11, 2024
Earlier in an interview at JKIA, Passaris had defended the Adani deal, citing the conglomerate’s successful track record in managing airports in other countries.
She expressed confidence that the move would bring positive developments for JKIA and Kenya as a whole.
According to Passaris, the involvement of Adani Enterprises could enhance the efficiency and service delivery at JKIA, benefitting both domestic and international travellers.
Passaris to govt
Passaris emphasised that the government must communicate the potential benefits of the takeover to the public.
“I think one of the biggest challenges we have in this country and anywhere in the world is that when you have a tender, and you want to get that, there are going to be many other persons who want that contract. The government should come clear, that’s why we have a government spokesman; break it down so that Kenyans understand everything,” she remarked.
Passaris also highlighted the significant improvements made by the Adani Group to an airport in India.
“I have personally been to Ahmedabad (Airport) quite a number of times because that’s why my husband goes for medical attention, and the Ahmedabad airport has been done by the Adani Group. The first time I went to Ahmedabad four years ago, it was a very mediocre airport. Today, it is a five-star airport. I’ve been to estates within Ahmedabad built by the Adani Group.”
“I feel sometimes that as government, we need to be able to sit and discuss; Kenyans need to understand what it is that the Adani Group are going to provide,” Passaris added.
