Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has addressed ongoing concerns regarding the Adani Group’s potential involvement in significant infrastructure projects in Kenya, particularly the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the energy sector.
In a media statement released on Sunday, Odinga emphasized the importance of adopting a transparent approach in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) while defending the credibility of the Indian conglomerate.
Odinga noted that Adani’s interest in the Kenyan market dates back to 2010, stating that his initial introduction to the group was facilitated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
“When I visited Gujarat, I saw firsthand how Adani transformed a swamp into a vibrant port and industrial hub,” he explained, referencing his experiences with various successful infrastructure projects undertaken by Adani in India.
While acknowledging the public’s reservations regarding the PPP processes, especially tied to JKIA and the power transmission sector, Odinga reiterated the necessity of enhancing the legal framework governing such partnerships to secure investor confidence.
“The current PPP laws in Kenya are modeled after those of Gujarat, where Adani has played an essential role in infrastructure development,” he stated. “However, we must continue to refine our framework to attract and retain significant investments.”
Odinga cautioned against allowing political disputes to overshadow the country’s infrastructure prospects. He warned that scaring away potential investors like Adani could have detrimental effects on Kenya’s development, particularly as neighboring countries advance their infrastructure projects.
“Incorporating Adani as a credible partner in our development initiatives could expedite progress that far exceeds what we’ve experienced in East Africa,” Odinga emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding national interests such as enforcing labor laws, protecting the environment, and ensuring that Kenyan courts maintain jurisdiction over legal disputes.
The Adani Group has proposed a substantial investment of approximately $1.84 billion to modernize JKIA through a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement.
However, this proposal has sparked significant debate, with critics, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), expressing concerns about the potential privatization of this vital national asset, which could lead to a substantial portion of its revenue being transferred to Adani during the concession period.
