Nelson Amenya sparked controversy by revealing secret talks involving Kenya’s main airport, JKIA, and India’s Adani Group.
He exposed that the company, owned by billionaire Gautam Adani, was negotiating to lease Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years, with a $1.85 billion investment.
Despite the airport's strategic value and role in Kenya’s GDP, critics argue the deal undervalues the asset. Amenya’s documents, shared online in July, revealed that the discussions were held in complete secrecy, with no public bidding process.
The proposed deal caused a public outcry, leading to airport staff strikes and a parliamentary investigation. Finance Minister John Mbadi expressed shock, revealing that Kenya’s Aviation Authority approved the proposal within a day in March.
Amenya, currently studying in France, fears for his safety after blowing the whistle. He has been targeted with legal threats and a gag order, and he has even reported concerns for his life to French police. Despite the risks, Amenya felt compelled to expose the deal, fearing it would have been finalized without public scrutiny.
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Transparency International Kenya’s Sheila Masinde emphasized the dangers whistleblowers face in the country, citing the need for both legal and physical protection. A Whistleblower Protection Bill has been stalled in parliament for over a decade.
Amenya’s primary concern is Adani’s controversial reputation. The Adani group has been accused of fraud, corruption, and environmental destruction.
Although the Kenyan government insists negotiations are ongoing, Amenya believes his actions have helped bring the deal into the open, potentially allowing the public to influence the final terms.
