Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed strong opposition to the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Enterprises, an Indian firm.
Speaking during a church service at St. Paul ACK Nyathuna in Kabete town, Kiambu County on Sunday, September 8, 2024, Musyoka aligned his position with the sentiments of the people of Kabete, who have rejected the plan.
“The people of Kabete have said no to Adani, no to corruption, and no to the KK dictatorship, and we agree. We are with and for the people of Kenya,” Musyoka declared.
The proposed deal, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Adani Enterprises and the Kenyan government, aims to upgrade JKIA, one of East Africa’s busiest airports. However, the involvement of foreign entities and concerns about corruption have sparked widespread public outrage from opposition leaders and citizens alike.
Wamalwa Criticizes Adani Deal
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa also voiced his concerns about the controversial takeover. On Friday, September 6, 2024, Wamalwa, addressing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, criticized the plan as both unpopular and lacking transparency.
Wamalwa pointed out that Adani Enterprises had faced rejections in various countries, including Australia, where there were significant protests in Sydney against its operations.
“There are issues I must raise since the Deputy President is here. Kenyans are very concerned about a deal done by this government and the Adani Group. This group was rejected in Australia, and there were serious demonstrations in Sydney against Adani. Why is the Kenya Kwanza administration in such a rush to bring this group in and hand over our airport?” Wamalwa questioned.
He warned that if the Kenya Kwanza government moves forward with the deal without addressing Kenyan concerns, it could provoke further opposition protests.
KAA Addresses Adani Deal
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has provided details about Adani Airport Holdings Limited’s investment plans at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). According to KAA, Adani is set to invest in constructing a new passenger terminal, building a second runway, and refurbishing existing facilities at the airport.
In a statement released on July 24, 2024, KAA outlined that Adani’s proposal is undergoing comprehensive technical, financial, and legal reviews in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act. This process includes stakeholder engagement, approval from the National Treasury, clearance from the Attorney General, and final approval from the Cabinet.
Despite this, there are concerns about the progress of the deal, particularly because Adani has already registered a company in Kenya, which could be involved in the JKIA project.
KAA emphasized that the agreement with Adani Airport Holdings Limited is aimed at revitalizing the airport’s infrastructure. This initiative follows the Cabinet’s approval of the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan, which focuses on upgrading the passenger terminal, runway, taxiway, and apron to address the challenges posed by aging facilities that could impact regional competitiveness.
“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a strategic national asset established in 1978. Its outdated infrastructure threatens our regional competitiveness.
The Cabinet approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan, which includes upgrading the passenger terminal, runway, taxiway, and apron. The investment required is substantial and cannot be covered by current fiscal constraints without private funding,” KAA stated in July.
Henry Ogoye, Acting Managing Director and CEO of KAA, assured stakeholders that the development will not jeopardize jobs. He highlighted that the expanded facilities are expected to generate new business opportunities and benefits for the airport community and operators.
