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Key Points

Raila Odinga expressed disappointment over Kenya cancelling Adani’s JKIA airport expansion deal, calling it a missed opportunity. He praised Adani’s credibility and regional project expertise, contrasting it with East Africa’s current capabilities. The opposition leader blamed political manoeuvring for the collapse, warning of Nairobi’s economic stagnation. Odinga had previously defended the deal before President Ruto scrapped it in 2024.

Key Points: Raila Odinga Regrets Adani Nairobi Airport Deal Cancellation

  • Odinga defends Adani Group as reliable for JKIA expansion
  • Cites political interference as reason for deal collapse
  • Warns Nairobi risks stagnation without major infra upgrades
  • Highlights Adani’s unmatched regional project capabilities
2 min read

Disappointed when Adani airport deal cancelled, they're credible partner: Kenya's Odinga

Kenya's Raila Odinga calls Adani a credible partner, disappointed over scrapped JKIA airport expansion deal that could have boosted Nairobi's economy.

"Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa. – Raila Odinga"

Nairobi, June 20

Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday said he was disappointed when the Adani Group deal to expand and manage Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) got cancelled.

On the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen here, Odinga said that should the deal have proceeded, it would have elevated Nairobi into a regional economic hub, as per local media.

"I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract that was very unfortunate,” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader was quoted as saying in the Nairobi Leo publication.

Citing political manoeuvring as the key reason for the deal’s collapse, he said: "Kenya is very strategically located. I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract... If that is not done, Nairobi will become dormant."

Before the cancellation of the deal, Odinga was among the leaders who defended the Adani Group.

Kenyan President William Ruto ordered the cancellation of the Adani-JKIA expansion deal as well as the Adani-Ketraco deal, while issuing the State of the Nation Address in Parliament on November 21, 2024.

Odinga said that the country lost a strategic opportunity after the deal fell through, adding that Adani's capabilities surpass those of other firms in East Africa.

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

The Adani Group has been interested in investing in Kenya since 2010, but this interest was hindered by the lack of a proper legal framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) at the time.

"I want to say that there needs to be transparency when dealing with such issues; otherwise, we risk condemning very reputable companies… Do not condemn innocent companies that are engaged in legitimate commercial transactions," the Kenyan leader was quoted as saying.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This shows how Indian companies like Adani are becoming global players in infrastructure development. Kenya's loss is someone else's gain. Hope other African nations recognize the value Indian firms bring to the table. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While it's good to see Indian companies expanding globally, we must also ensure they maintain highest ethical standards abroad. One bad experience can damage Brand India's reputation. Hope Adani learns from this setback.
S
Sanjay D.
Africa is the next big market and Indian companies should focus more there instead of competing with China in every project. Strategic partnerships like this could have strengthened India-Kenya ties. Missed opportunity indeed!
A
Ananya R.
Interesting how politics affects business everywhere. Kenya's loss might be our gain if Adani can redirect those resources to Indian infrastructure projects that need attention. Our airports could use some upgrades too!
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Vikram S.
Adani's global ambitions are impressive, but they should focus on delivering quality in India first. We've seen many projects here facing delays. Charity begins at home, as they say.
N
Neha T.
Kenya's loss shows how political instability can hurt economic growth. India should take note - we need stable policies to attract foreign investment too. Global business is a two-way street! 🌍

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