Mbeere North Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Ruku has proposed that the national government build a brand new mega airport instead of investing millions in the rehabilitation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking during a live breakfast show at K24TV on Friday, November 22, 2024, Ruku suggested that after the cancellation of the JKIA-Adani deal, Ruto’s administration under the Ministry of Transport invest in the contraction of a brand-new international airport at Konza City.
He noted that Konza City is an ideal place to have an international airport because it is strategically placed and mega investment projects are currently ongoing there.
In addition, the parliamentarian went further to explain that if an international airport is built at Konza it will enable the extension of Nairobi city as well as the expressway.
“This country must get the airport done and I have a proposal. Instead of us investing in JKIA, we need to get a brand new mega airport probably somewhere in Konza a huge mega international airport in Konza. Konza City, a serious mega investment projects is going on there and a lot of work has been done huge infrastructure has been put in place that would be taking advantage of Konza City and extending this city towards that direction also we would see the express high way moving from Mulolongo all the way to Konza City,” he suggested.
MP Ruku also suggested that Wilson Airport be relocated to JKIA to help in the handling of both local and international flights.
“We need to relocate Wilson Airport from where it is to JKIA and let JKIA handle local flights as well as other international flights but we need a brand new international airport,” he added.
JKIA-Adani deal
Speaking during the State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, 2024, President William Ruto announced the cancellation of JKIA and the KETRACO energy transmission project deals involving Indian conglomerate Adani following revelations of potential integrity issues.
During his speech, Ruto reiterated his stance, citing corruption concerns as the basis for terminating the agreements involving JKIA and KETRACO.
“Accordingly, I now direct in furtherance of the principles enshrined in article 10 of the constitution on transparency and accountability and based on new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations that the procuring agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership,”
“I have said that because of the information provided to us by partner nations, I have directed agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership transaction as well as the recently concluded KETRACO transmission public-private partnership transaction,” Ruto declared.
Hon. Geoffrey Ruku: I have a proposal. Instead of us investing in JKIA, we need to get a brand new mega airport in Konza. We should relocate Wilson to JKIA, which will handle local flights.#NewDawn pic.twitter.com/5JBaHEySW6
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) November 22, 2024
