KAA denies Adani involvement in JKIA modernisation plan

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has rubbished reports that Adani Group is the contractor behind the planned modernisation and expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

KAA, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that the Indian conglomerate is not linked to the multi-billion-shilling project following the cancellation of the initial Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) in 2024.

“KAA wishes to clarify reports published in one of today's newspapers regarding the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in the modernisation and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” stated KAA acting CEO Dr. Mohamud Gedi.

The authority reaffirmed that the project will be funded by the government in accordance with the stipulation of the law.

“The JKIA modernisation and expansion programme is a Government of Kenya-funded initiative and 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.”

The statement comes following reports that efforts were underway to restore the involvement of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the redevelopment of JKIA despite the cancellation of previous deals by President William Ruto.

The reports claimed that State operators may be exploring legal avenues to quietly reintroduce the controversial billionare businessman into the project.

He said the decision was attributed to credible evidence following the United States government charges against Gautam Adani, chair of the Adani Group, for allegedly paying Ksh.30 billion in bribes to the Indian government to obtain 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 then.