Aasai

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized the Kenyan government’s decision to cancel a multi-billion shilling deal with the Adani Group, saying the move was a huge missed opportunity to elevate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to world-class standards.

Speaking at the 3rd National Executive Retreat in Nairobi on Friday, the former Prime Minister voiced his frustration over the continued politicization of major infrastructure projects in Kenya, particularly those that could significantly boost the country’s global competitiveness in aviation and energy.

Odinga recalled that the journey to modernize JKIA began over a decade ago during the Grand Coalition Government, when he served alongside former President Mwai Kibaki. In 2012, their administration had initiated a Greenfield Airport project aimed at expanding and upgrading JKIA’s facilities to meet international standards. However, that contract was abruptly terminated, then re-awarded, and later canceled again due to internal disagreements and shifting political interests.

“Kenya was on the brink of transforming its main international airport into a modern hub that could compete globally,” Raila said. “But every time we gain momentum, politics gets in the way. The Greenfield project was canceled. Years later, when Adani was brought on board with a solid proposal and financial muscle, we allowed political noise and public hysteria to destroy the opportunity once again.”

According to Raila, the Adani Group had committed to investing over Ksh.260 billion in the airports expansion through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and an additional Ksh.95 billion in improving Kenyas energy transmission systems through KETRACO. This long-term deal, he said, would not only have improved passenger experience and logistics at JKIA but would have created thousands of jobs, increased cargo capacity, and boosted tourism and investment.

Odinga contrasted Kenya’s stagnation in airport infrastructure development with the progress being made by neighboring countries. He cited Ethiopia’s expansion of Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and the dominant position Ethiopian Airlines now enjoys on the African continent. “While Addis Ababa is building a new mega-airport to become a continental aviation hub, we’re paralyzing our progress through endless politicking,” Raila lamented. “Kenya Airways has the potential to be a market leader in Africa, but without a modern airport to anchor its operations, that dream remains far-fetched.”

The Adani deal was officially canceled in November 2024 following public outcry and serious allegations of corruption involving Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. U.S. authorities accused the Indian billionaire of paying Ksh.30 billion in bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India, prompting ethical and legal concerns in Kenya about engaging his firm.

In response, President William Ruto, during his State of the Nation Address on November 21, 2024, announced the immediate cancellation of all deals involving Adani Group in Kenya’s energy and transport sectors. He cited credible intelligence from national and international investigative agencies as justification.

“We must protect Kenya’s public resources and reputation. Based on new information, I have directed the relevant ministries to stop all ongoing procurement processes with Adani and begin searching for credible alternatives,” Ruto declared.

Raila, however, insists the nation must find a way to insulate critical development projects from political interference. “Kenya cannot afford to keep starting and stopping progress. If this continues, we will watch our neighbors outpace us in every sector,” he warned.