Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has shared his deep disappointment after the cancellation of a major deal involving India’s Adani Group to manage and expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking during a top government retreat in Karen, Nairobi, Raila said the Sh637 billion deal could have transformed Nairobi into a major business and travel center in the region.
“I was very disappointed when the airport deal was stopped. It was really unfortunate,” Raila said.
He explained that the first plan to expand JKIA was signed back in 2012 when he was still Prime Minister in the grand coalition government. But after they left office, the contract was cancelled.
Later, the same company got another chance, but that contract was also dropped after some disagreements. When Adani Group came in, Raila said politics again got in the way and the deal was cancelled.
He warned that while Kenya delays such key projects, countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda are moving fast with airport developments.
“If we don’t act now, JKIA will become outdated. Look at Addis Ababa—they’re building a massive new airport, and it’s set to become the region’s hub,” he said.
The deal would have seen Adani manage both JKIA and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) for 30 years. Just the airport part of the deal was valued at Sh238 billion.
Raila added that building a modern airport in Nairobi could turn Kenya Airways into Africa’s top airline, even if it's not making profits right away.
He pointed to Dubai’s Emirates airline as an example, saying it's used to bring investors, tourists, and shoppers—not just for profit.
“If we don’t build that big airport, Rwanda will, and Kigali will take the lead in the region,” Raila cautioned.
Tags
News