Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has voiced opposition to the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Enterprises, an Indian film.

The opposition leader who was attending a church service at St Paul ACK Nyathuna in Kabete town, Kiambu County on Sunday, September 8, 2024, said that his stance aligns with the sentiments expressed by the people of Kabete, who have openly rejected the plan.

“The people of Kabete have said no to Adani, no to corruption, and no to the KK dictatorship, and we agree. We are with and for the people of Kenya,” Musyoka stated.

The proposed deal, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Adani Enterprises and the Kenyan government, is intended to revamp JKIA, one of East Africa’s busiest airports.

However, concerns over the involvement of foreign entities and corruption have sparked public outrage from opposition leaders and citizens.

Wamalwa on Adani deal

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa also raised his concerns regarding the contentious takeover.

On Friday, September 6, 2024, Wamalwa voiced his opposition to the deal in the presence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The former Defence Cabinet Secretary criticized the plan, calling it both unpopular and lacking transparency.

He also raised concerns about Adani’s track record, noting that the company had faced rejections in several countries, including Australia, where protests erupted in Sydney against its operations.

“There are issues I must raise since the Deputy President is here. Kenyans are very concerned about a deal that has been done by this government and the Adani Group.

“This was a group that was rejected in Australia and there were serious demonstrations in Sydney against the Adani Group of Companies… why is it that the Kenya Kwanza administration is in a hurry to bring this group and handover our airport?” Wamalwa questioned.

Wamalwa cautioned that if the Kenya Kwanza government proceeds with the deal without addressing the concerns of Kenyans, it risks igniting fresh waves of opposition protests.

KAA on Adani deal

According to the Kenya Airports Authority, Adani Airport Holdings Limited is investing in a new passenger terminal, a second runway, and refurbishment of existing facilities at JKIA.

In a statement released on July 24, 2024, KAA said the proposal by Adani is undergoing rigorous technical, financial, and legal reviews as per the PPP Act procedures, including stakeholder engagement, National Treasury approval, Attorney General clearance, and final cabinet approval.

However, the group has already registered a company in Kenya, which could be used in the JKIA deal, raising questions about the current progress of the deal.

KAA said that the agreement with Adani Airport Holdings Limited aimed at revitalizing the airport’s infrastructure. According to KAA, this initiative stems from the approval of JKIA’s Medium Term Investment Plan by the cabinet, focusing on upgrading the passenger terminal, runway, taxiway, and apron to address ageing facilities that threaten regional competitiveness.

“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a strategic National asset built in 1978. Its aging infrastructure is a threat to our regional competitiveness. The Cabinet approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan covering the upgrade of the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway and apron. The attendant investment requirement is significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding,” KAA said in July.

Henry Ogoye, acting Managing Director and CEO of KAA, reassured stakeholders that no jobs are at risk due to this development. He emphasized that the expanded facilities will create new business opportunities and benefits for the airport community and operators.