The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has refuted claims suggesting that Adani Group is the contractor responsible for the upcoming modernization and expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement released on Tuesday, KAA clarified that the Indian conglomerate has no connection to the multi-billion-shilling project, which follows the cancellation of the initial Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) in 2024.
“KAA wishes to clarify reports published in today’s newspapers regarding the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in the modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” stated KAA acting CEO Dr. Mohamud Gedi.
The authority confirmed that the project will receive government funding in compliance with legal requirements.
“The JKIA modernization and expansion programme is a Government of Kenya-funded initiative implemented in accordance with established public-sector policies and procedures,” Dr. Mohamud said.
“The Authority remains committed to transparency and will continue to keep stakeholders and the public informed.”
This statement follows reports indicating efforts were underway to reinstate involvement of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the redevelopment of JKIA, despite previous deals being canceled by President William Ruto.
These reports suggested that State operators might be exploring legal channels to quietly reintroduce the controversial businessman into the project.
During his State of the Nation Address in 2024, President Ruto instructed the ministries of Transport and Energy to terminate the deals proposed by the Adani Group for taking over the country’s infrastructure in the energy and aviation sectors, following public backlash.
He explained that the decision was based on credible evidence, particularly the United States government charges against Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, for allegedly bribing the Indian government to secure solar energy supply contracts.
“In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take action…Based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations – that the procuring agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA Expansion Public Private Partnership transaction, as well as the recently concluded KETRACO transmission line Public Private Partnership contract, and immediately commence the process of onboarding alternative partners,” said Ruto at the time.