JKIA Tender Wars Ignite Security Fears as Court Petition Exposes Alleged Contract Irregularities
A deepening tender dispute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has raised alarm over potential security lapses and the erosion of protocol standards at Kenya’s largest aviation hub, according to a petition filed before the High Court and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The petition, lodged by Fredrick Mulaa, details a fierce battle for control of the lucrative “meet and assist” services—specialised protocol duties involving welcoming high-profile guests, diplomats, and foreign delegations. These services, common in major global airports, require strict professionalism and high security clearance. However, the dispute has now spilled into the public domain, with allegations that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and its acting Managing Director, Dr. Mohammed Gedi, flouted court orders and procurement laws to award contracts to Umbato Safaris Limited and Tradewinds Aviation Services—firms previously disqualified or declared unfit by both the High ...