Indian firm Adani Airports Holdings Limited has dismissed claims that the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been leased for 30 years saying the project is yet to be approved.

The company argues that the current cases filed in court challenging the controversial takeover are ill-timed as the project is still at the review and due diligence stage.

“The application contains numerous claims and allegations that are untrue and unsubstantiated and which are likely to mislead this court to issue orders which are not merited,” said the company.

False information

In response to a case filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Law Society of Kenya, Alok Patni says most of the information contained in the current case is false.

The group however admits to having an interest in JKIA following media reports that highlighted its deteriorating state.

Intrigued by the potential for revitalization, the Adani’s say they envisioned a hub that could transform Kenya’s economy and restore its national pride.

The ambitious investor explains that they proceeded to develop a privately initiated proposal (PIP) in March this year and sent the same to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)

The PIP has subsequently initiated a proposal received by KAA.

From the proposal, Patni who says he is the authorized signatory of Adani Airport Holdings gave a detailed analysis of the project delivery plan.

There was also a justification for using the PIP method, value for money and the positive impacts of the proposed project.

They undertook to improve four particular areas at JKIA.

One was to establish a new passe terminal building and refurbish the existing passenger terminal buildings to increase the passenger capacity of the terminals.

They were to also enhance the airside pavement works including the construction of new taxiways and undertake other improvements as necessary for the modernization of the Airport.