ODM leader Raila Odinga has voiced his frustration over the government’s decision to cancel the controversial airport expansion deal involving Indian conglomerate Adani Group, warning that the move could undermine Nairobi’s strategic position in the region.
Speaking at the 3rd National Executive Retreat held in Karen on Friday, June 20, Odinga described the terminated contract as a missed opportunity for Kenya’s aviation sector.
“Kenya is very strategically located. I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract. When they brought in Adani, they brought all these politics, and the contract was cancelled. If that is not done, Nairobi will become dormant,” Raila said.
He attributed the collapse of the deal to political interference, cautioning that the backlash could hinder Kenya’s ambitions as a regional hub for trade and travel.
The deal in question was part of a proposed partnership between the Kenya Airports Authority and the Adani Group to upgrade and expand the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). However, on November 21, 2024, President William Ruto ordered the cancellation of both the Adani-JKIA project and a separate Adani-KETRACO energy deal during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament.
