In a new twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding the privatization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a group of jurists from the Mount Kenya region, led by Tony Gachoka, have filed a lawsuit against the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) over its deal with the Adani Group. The legal action seeks to halt the ongoing privatization process, arguing that it lacks transparency and could undermine Kenya’s national interests.
The lawsuit comes amid mounting public and political opposition to the deal, which many critics argue could lead to job losses and reduced accountability at one of Kenya’s most critical infrastructure hubs. The jurists claim the deal was negotiated without adequate public consultation and poses a threat to the sovereignty of Kenya’s airspace management. “We are not opposed to privatization per se, but this deal, in particular, is shrouded in secrecy and could have severe ramifications for our nation’s security and economy,” stated Gachoka in a press briefing earlier today.
This legal challenge is the latest in a series of disputes over the privatization of JKIA. With numerous stakeholders voicing their concerns, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how public assets are managed and privatized in Kenya. The case is expected to be a lengthy legal battle that will likely draw considerable public interest as it unfolds