President William Ruto has expressed anger and disappointment over the state of facilities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), calling out officials for negligence and lack of vision in managing Kenya’s main gateway to the world.
Speaking passionately during an impromptu inspection tour, a visibly frustrated President Ruto told airport managers and government officials to “stop the nonsense” and ensure that JKIA reflects the dignity and standards of a modern, world-class international airport.
“Tafadhali muwache upuuzi, tunataka airport ya kujivunia!” the President said, questioning how such an important national facility could continue to operate under poor conditions while other African nations are investing heavily in their aviation infrastructure.
The Head of State lamented that despite Kenya being a regional economic powerhouse and tourism hub, the country’s main airport still struggles with outdated terminals, frequent power outages, and inadequate customer service — issues that have long tarnished its international image.
President Ruto emphasized that his administration is committed to transforming JKIA into a facility that meets global standards and enhances Kenya’s competitiveness in trade, tourism, and investment. He directed the Ministry of Transport and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to fast-track modernization projects and prioritize efficiency, cleanliness, and passenger comfort.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans applauding him for speaking out boldly about issues that travelers have complained about for years. Others, however, questioned why such problems have persisted despite previous promises of reform.
The President’s outburst comes amid growing pressure for accountability in the management of public infrastructure, as Kenyans continue to demand better services in key national sectors such as transport, energy, and healthcare.
As the government moves to upgrade JKIA, Kenyans are watching closely to see if the President’s tough talk will finally bring long-awaited change to one of the country’s most important national assets.
