Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, JKIA has been crowned Africa's leading Airport in the World Travel Awards 2024.
Kenya Airport's Authority (KAA) made the Announcement on October 19, 2024, attributing the win to JKIA’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, enhancing operational efficiency, and continuously improving the passenger experience.
“We are thrilled to announce that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been crowned Africa’s Leading Airport 2024 at the prestigious World Travel Awards." KAA said.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, edged out six other airports across African countries.
The Airport's include South Africa's Cape Town International Airport, Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Neighboring Tanzania.
JKIA also claimed the top prize at the expense of Rwanda's Kigali International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Durban of South Africa and O.R. Tambo International Airport of South Africa.
National Carrier Kenya Airways also won the Africa’s Leading Airline 2024 category, the Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2024 and the Africa’s Leading Airline Brand 2024 awards.
The awards were received by KAA Managing Director Henry Ogoye, Acting JKIA Airport Manager, Selina Gor, and General Manager, Marketing and Business Development, Abraham Kiprutto, alongside a dedicated KAA team representing JKIA, Diani Airport, and KAA Head Office during an awards ceremony held in Diani Beach.
The JKIA award comes amid controversy surrounding the proposal by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Transport to lease the airport to Indian conglomerate Adani Airport Holdings for 30 years to undergo renovation.
Adani through a Public-private partnership (PPP) deal is set to pour Ksh238 billion to upgrade the airport by building a new passenger terminal, refurbishing the existing terminals, constructing a second runway and enhancing cargo handling facilities among other changes.
In the JKIA takeover bid proposal from Adani Group, the Indian Company will pay sh 6.4 Billion annually to the Kenyan Government.
Adani Airport Holdings, claims it will raise this money through Fees the company will charge the Kenyan Airport, JKIA, users.
The company estimated it's first JKIA Control year revenue at $163 million (KSh 21.3 billion). Out of the revenue, $47 million (KSh 6.2 billion) will go to the Kenyan government.
Adani Group proposed a revenue estimate of $290 million (KSh 37.9 billion), out of which $52 million (KSh 6.8 billion) will go to the government in 2030.
According to the documents, Adani Group offers to pay KAA Sh6 billion per year for the first five years, with the fee rising to Sh6.7 billion by 2035 and climbing further in subsequent years.
By the 30th year of the deal, Adani Group projects the annual concession fee to reach Sh9.8 billion.
Other revenue estimates include KSh 96.8 billion in 2045 and KSh 157 billion in 2054, earning Kenya between KSh 9 and KSh 10 billion in the respective years.
