Adani Group has told a Kenyan court it became interested in redeveloping the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following media reports of its deteriorating condition. On September 10, the High Court suspended the governments plan to lease the countrys main airport for 30 years to Adani Airport Holdings, a subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate.
From 2018 to 2023, the respondent noticed several reports and news articles detailing the deteriorating status of Kenyas JKIA which, for a long time, had been one of the best airports in Africa, said Alok Patni, Adani Group head of business development in court documents seen by TechCabal.
The respondent also noticed several news articles in 2019 and 2020 regarding constant protests and demonstrations by JKIA workers lamenting poor working conditions, infrastructure and remuneration.
Patni told the court that the proposal to build a new terminal and taxiways would elevate JKIAs status in Africa and create job opportunities for Kenyans.
Adani Groups $1.85 billion JKIA expansion plan has faced intense local opposition, with Kenyans questioning its transparency. Groups opposed to the deal have argued that the $1.85 billion required for the project can be raised locally without a 30-year concession to a foreign firm.
