Raila Odinga has criticised the government for stalling on a key airport project, warning that Kenya is losing its chance to become a major aviation hub in Africa.

Speaking at the 3rd National Executive Retreat on Friday, June 20, 2025, the opposition leader said politics had disrupted vital infrastructure plans, especially the cancelled Adani deal.

“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract,” Raila said. “Kenya is very strategically situated where we are. We are very fortunate. Kenya can become a hub, a big hub.”

He stressed that Nairobi has the potential to compete with global cities like Dubai if supported by modern infrastructure. At the heart of his vision is a new, world-class airport to transform the capital into a gateway for trade, tourism and investment.

Raila recalled how, in 2012, the government had awarded a Greenfield airport contract to a company called Quebec, only for it to be cancelled, then re-awarded, and later scrapped again. More recently, a new deal with the Indian giant Adani was signed, but that too collapsed amid political controversy.

“And then now, when we brought in Adani, they brought all this politics,” Raila said. “Then the contract was cancelled.”

Kenya risks losing aviation edge

President William Ruto had, in November 2024, confirmed the cancellation of both the Adani JKIA expansion deal and the KETRACO energy project, citing corruption concerns. Speaking during a State of the Nation address, Ruto said the decision followed “credible information from investigative agencies and partner nations.”

“I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” the president said, directing the Ministries of Transport and Energy to begin onboarding new partners.

But Raila now warns that Kenya is paying the price for these delays. “Just look at Addis,” he said. “They’re putting up a brand new, huge airport. Ethiopian Airlines is now the dominant airline in Africa. Nairobi is falling behind.”

He believes Kenya Airways can fill the gap left by South African Airways, but only if backed by proper infrastructure. Citing the example of Emirates, Raila noted how a strong national airline brings in tourists, investors, and trade, benefiting the wider economy even if it makes short-term losses.

“If we’re not careful, Kigali will become the hub. Rwanda is moving. We are being left behind,” Raila closed his remarks with a stern warning.

His message was clear: Kenya has the potential, but only if it stops the delays and invests boldly in its future.