- South Mugirango Member of Parliament Silvanus Osoro defended the government's partnership with Adani Holdings to modernize the JKIA airport, citing the need for infrastructure improvements
- Osoro urged Kenyans to suggest alternative investors instead of criticizing the plan, stressing that PPPs help avoid rising taxes and borrowing
- He stressed that modernizing the airport will improve Kenya's international standing and create jobs for the youth and the informal sector.
- Acknowledging the concerns of the workers, Osoro assured that the positions of the current workers will be protected and that the expansion of the facility will bring more jobs
Nairobi – South Mugirango Member of Parliament Silvanus Osoro has criticized Kenyans for criticizing the government's plan to collaborate with Adani Holdings in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement aimed at modernizing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
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Osoro expressed disappointment at the public outcry, saying that a modern airport is important for the country.
Why Osoro supports Adani's plan to be handed over to JKIA
In his strongly worded statement, the MP highlighted the government's dilemma of funding infrastructure development while reducing the tax burden on Kenyans.
The MP asked Kenyans to suggest alternative investors, adding that those who oppose the plan should not be noisy without a solution.
“You want and deserve a modern airport. You don't want to pay taxes. GOK doesn't want to increase your burden by borrowing more. PPP is legal. Let's find another investor and then raise the airport. We can't have noise without a solution,” Osoro wrote.
The MP pointed out the long-term effects of upgrading the airport, saying that modernizing it will not only improve the country's international standing but also create jobs.
“How many more young people will be employed in the face-lifted international airport? How many more informal jobs will be created in the long run?? Supposedly, we live in our shame?! No. Supposedly just to fix a leaky roof?! Hard decisions must be made as long as no public money wasted!” he added.
What Osoro wants to be considered in the Adani-JKIA plan
The Adani Holdings deal has raised concerns about job losses, possible privatization of public assets, and the involvement of a foreign entity in the sensitive sector.
Osoro said that workers at the airport had a legitimate question about their job security, adding that it needed to be addressed.
However, he was quick to dismiss these concerns, saying that staff jobs will be prioritized in the expanded facility.
“The only discussion we should have is on the problem of the current workers. They will keep their positions, and more will be hired to cover the expanded areas. Their demand for a clear statement on their problem should be addressed. This is another noise. The PPP is legitimate,” Osoro noted.
The MP's statement comes while some leaders and citizens are pushing for more clarity about the terms of the agreement.
Why Esther Passaris supports the Adani-JKIA initiative
Elsewhere, Nairobi women's representative Esther Passaris he ignored the opposition of Kenyans to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Adani Group.
Speaking at JKIA on Wednesday, September 11, Passaris defended the plan, saying it will benefit the country more.
Passaris shared his experience at India's airport, Ahmedabad Airport, which the Adani Group reportedly built.
What else do you need to know about the Adani Group-JKIA program?
The court blocked the takeover of the airport by an Indian company.
Engineers of Kenya listed several concerns about the Adani-JKIA plan, saying there was no proposed runway
Adani Group established a company in Kenya despite strong opposition to the plan.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
