MPs summon Transport CS on KQ takeover of JKIA

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia. [File, Standard]

A parliamentary committee has summoned Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia over the proposed takeover of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) by Kenya Airways (KQ).

The CS and Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett are expected to appear before the National Assembly Committee on Transport, Public Works and Housing this morning to shed light on the proposed deal.

The managements of KQ and KAA have also been invited. Pokot South MP David Pkosing said the two owe Kenyans an explanation on what informed the plan.

“As a committee we want to scrutinise the proposal on the restructuring plan by KAA and the national carrier. We will also interrogate the Ministry of Transport on the deal,” he said.

Last week, the National Assembly Public Investment Account (PIC) suspended the proposed takeover bid of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by the cash-strapped national carrier.

This was after the committee chaired by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir met the KAA Managing Director Johnny Andersen among other officials.

Mr Nassir, while declaring the suspension of planned merger, said the move would render the profitable aviation regulator bankrupt.

Pkosing yesterday defended the decision to also probe the matter, saying it squarely falls under their mandate.