(In Kenya) Odinga Expresses Disappointment Over Cancellation of Adani’s Multibillion-Dollar Airport Deal

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has voiced disappointment over the government’s decision to cancel a multibillion-dollar deal with India’s Adani Group for the modernization and management of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Odinga praised Adani as a credible partner and cautioned against alienating investors, advocating for enhanced transparency and competition in public-private partnerships (PPPs).

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The scrapped agreement, which aimed to upgrade and operate JKIA, was halted following U.S. bribery charges against Adani Group’s chairman, Gautam Adani, and growing domestic criticism. Concerns centered on job security, lack of transparency, and fairness in the procurement process. While labor unions celebrated the cancellation, some analysts warned that the move could damage Kenya’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination.

Odinga’s remarks have sparked renewed debate about the balance between fostering investment and ensuring accountable governance. The Kenyan government is now exploring alternative partners for the airport project through more transparent PPP frameworks to address public concerns while advancing infrastructure development.