Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has encouraged citizens to embrace the Indian infrastructure firm Adani Airport Holdings Limited, which is set to invest in expanding the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Speaking to the press, Mwaura praised the company’s strong track record in India and other regions and expressed confidence in its ability to upgrade the airport.
The $1.85 billion (Ksh.242 billion) deal aims to revamp critical areas of JKIA, including terminals, runways, and the deteriorating roofs leaking during heavy rains. Mwaura highlighted the airport’s current passenger capacity of 7.5 million, which was exceeded last year with 8.6 million travelers.
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He emphasized that the planned expansion could enable the facility to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually.
Additionally, Mwaura noted that temporary structures installed near the runways, designed to last ten years, are now nearing the end of their lifespan. The deal also includes upgrading the airport’s electrical systems to address frequent power outages caused by overloading on current lines.
Mwaura stressed that external financial support is essential for Kenya’s development, as the country faces a severe cash shortage. He stated that public-private partnerships (PPPs) and private investment projects (PIPs) will be a crucial strategy in financing future projects, given the increasing challenges associated with borrowing.
Despite these assurances, the deal has faced criticism, with some Kenyans questioning the lack of transparency.
Concerns were also raised about Adani’s past, including allegations of fraud related to their management of airports in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and a 2023 scandal involving Hindenburg Research, which accused Adani Group of corporate fraud.
JKIA's takeover is scheduled for November, and Adani has already set up a local subsidiary to manage the operations.
