Disappointed When Adani Airport Deal Cancelled, They’re Credible Partner: Former Kenya PM Odinga

Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday said he felt disappointed after the government cancelled the Adani Group’s deal to expand and manage Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

On the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen, Odinga said the deal could have helped Nairobi become a strong regional economic hub, according to local media.

“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract. That was very unfortunate,” said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, as quoted by Nairobi Leo.

Odinga blamed political manoeuvring for the deal’s collapse.

He said, “Kenya is very strategically located. If that is not done, Nairobi will become dormant.”

Before the cancellation, Odinga had supported the Adani Group. He defended the company’s role in the project.

“Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa,” he said.

He said Kenya lost a strategic opportunity when the deal collapsed.

President Ruto cancelled the deal in 2024

President William Ruto cancelled both the Adani-JKIA airport project and the Adani-Ketraco power project on 21 November 2024, during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

Odinga said Kenya should not dismiss good companies without reason. He warned against blocking firms like Adani that carry out legitimate business.

“There needs to be transparency when dealing with such issues. Otherwise, we risk condemning very reputable companies,” he said.

He added, “Do not condemn innocent companies that are engaged in legitimate commercial transactions.”

Adani first showed interest in investing in Kenya in 2010, but delays followed due to the absence of a public-private partnership (PPP) law.

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