Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has drawn a line in the sand, demanding the national government urgently redevelop Moi International Airport (MIA) or face a backlash from the coastal county. The Governor insists that the facility must be upgraded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to unlock the region’s tourism potential.

Nassir’s demands come as the state focuses heavily on the controversial expansion of JKIA in Nairobi. The Governor argues that Mombasa, the gateway to Kenya’s coastline, has been neglected, with MIA operating below capacity despite its strategic importance to the tourism sector.

"We Cannot Wait Any Longer"

"We are tired of being the second option," Nassir stated. He pointed out that while billions are sought for Nairobi’s aviation hub, Mombasa’s airport struggles with aging infrastructure. The Governor believes a PPP model is the only viable path to modernize the terminal and attract more direct international flights.

• The Demand: Urgent redevelopment of Moi International Airport via PPP.
• The Grievance: Perceived neglect of coastal infrastructure in favor of Nairobi’s JKIA.
• The Stakes: Tourism numbers are recovering, but a subpar airport could choke off the revival before it peaks.

Coastal Economy at Risk

For the hotel owners in Diani and Nyali, the airport is their lifeline. Nassir’s aggressive stance reflects a broader frustration at the Coast—that they contribute significantly to the economy but receive crumbs in infrastructure investment. The ball is now in Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s court.