Written by Lisa Murimi
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has expressed serious concerns regarding the rapid approval of the Adani Group’s proposal to take over operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).Â
During a session with the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee, Mbadi highlighted that the proposal, submitted on March 1, was cleared by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on the same day, prompting suspicions of behind-the-scenes dealings.
“That kind of high-level efficiency is unusual in such processes,” Mbadi remarked, questioning the legitimacy of the swift approval and whether proper diligence had been conducted.
The proposed 30-year concession has raised alarm among legislators and the public, with many fearing it could jeopardize national interests.
The deal involves a Ksh 260 billion investment from Adani to expand JKIA, but critics warn it would effectively hand over control of a crucial national asset to a foreign entity under potentially unfavorable terms.
Adani seeks extensive powers over the airport, including the right to retain an 18% stake even after the concession expires.
Despite government reassurances that the proposal is undergoing thorough review and no final decision has been made, public skepticism continues to grow, fueled by concerns over transparency in the negotiations surrounding such a vital national asset.
