The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed reports alleging the involvement of India’s Adani Group in the modernisation and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KAA clarified that the Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) previously submitted by the Adani Group was formally cancelled and that there are currently no discussions with the conglomerate or any of its affiliates concerning the airport’s upgrade.
“The Privately Initiated Proposal with the Adani Group was formally cancelled, and there are no discussions with the Group or any of its affiliates in relation to JKIA,” the Authority stated.
KAA further emphasized that the JKIA modernisation and expansion programme is a fully Government of Kenya-funded initiative. The project, it noted, is being implemented in line with established public-sector policies and procedures.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring stakeholders and the public that updates on the project will continue to be shared as appropriate.
The statement was signed by Acting Managing Director Mohamed Gedi.
The statement comes following reports that efforts were underway to restore the involvement of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the redevelopment of JKIA despite the cancellation of previous deals by President William Ruto.
The reports claimed that State operators may be exploring legal avenues to quietly reintroduce the controversial billionare businessman into the project.
During his State of the Nation Address in 2024, President Ruto directed the ministries of Transport and Energy to cancel the deals proposed by the Adani Group to take over the country’s infrastructure in the energy and aviation sectors following public uproar.
He said the decision was attributed to credible evidence following the United States government charges against Gautam Adani, chair of the Adani Group, for allegedly paying Ksh.30 billion in bribes to the Indian government to obtain solar energy supply contracts.
“In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take action…Based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations – that the procuring agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA Expansion Public Private Partnership transaction, as well as the recently concluded KETRACO transmission line Public Private Partnership contract, and immediately commence the process of onboarding alternative partners,” said Ruto then.
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