Kenya's Ex-PM Raila Odinga Expresses Disappointment Over Adani Deal Collapse for JKIA Expansion

Kenya's former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, expressed his disappointment over the collapse of the Adani deal to expand and manage Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). According to a media report on Friday, Odinga mentioned that political interference led to the cancellation of the agreement.

Odinga shared his thoughts during the National Executive Retreat in Karen, Nairobi. He highlighted that the deal's failure was unfortunate and politicised, as reported by The Star newspaper. "I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract that was very unfortunate," he stated.

Adani Deal and Economic Prospects

The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) believed that if the deal had gone through, it would have transformed Nairobi into a regional economic hub. He noted that the initial expansion contract for JKIA was awarded during his time as Prime Minister but was later cancelled after the grand coalition government left office.

"We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government with Mwai Kibaki in 2012. That contract was cancelled, then it was given to the same contractor but then again cancelled because of disagreements. When we got to Adani, they the political rivals brought politics and the contract was cancelled," he explained.

Comparisons with Regional Developments

Odinga warned that without such developments, Nairobi risks stagnation. He pointed out that Addis Ababa is advancing by constructing a new large airport, which is set to become a regional hub. "If that is not done, Nairobi will just become dormant. Look at Addis Ababa, they are going and now putting up a new big airport and it's going to be the hub around," he added.

The proposed airport project with Adani was valued at nearly USD 2 billion. It included plans for a second runway and an upgraded passenger terminal at JKIA. The conglomerate was also set to operate the facility under a 30-year lease agreement.

Odinga emphasised that completing the airport construction could position it as Africa’s leading airline hub. This potential development underscores the importance of infrastructure projects in boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

With inputs from PTI