KAA starts search for new duty-free shops operator

Tourists arrive at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa last year. KAA has started the search for a new operator of duty-free shops. FILE 

By BD Reporter

Kenya Airports Authority has started the search for a new operator of
duty-free shops to replace businessman Kamlesh Pattni.

“KAA wishes to engage a reputable duty-free retail master concessionaire to manage its duty free offering at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Terminal Unit 4,” KAA said in a statement.

The move comes after controversial businessman Kamlesh Pattni gave up his legal battle to retain his tenancy as the government sought his ouster on allegations that the contract was fraudulently obtained.

Mr Pattni last month withdrew the court cases he had filed against KAA, which had demolished some of his JKIA shops, saying he wanted to live in peace.

The ceding of the shops by Mr Pattni followed in his earlier steps when he returned the Grand Regency Hotel to the Central Bank of Kenya. The hotel was later controversially sold to Libyan investors and renamed Laico Regency.