Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Adani Group’s involvement in major infrastructure developments within Kenya.
Addressing concerns raised by critics regarding transparency and the company’s integrity, Odinga made a statement on Sunday to defend the company’s reputation.
Odinga highlighted Adani’s longstanding interest and involvement in Kenya’s projects, which dates back to 2010. The controversy centers around proposed Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) aimed at modernizing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and enhancing the country’s power transmission systems.
The public and opposition have expressed doubts over the transparency of the process that may lead to Adani’s participation in these initiatives.
Raila, drawing from his own experiences with Adani’s projects in India, vouched for the group’s credibility and capacity to deliver on large-scale projects, suggesting that concerns over integrity were unfounded.
He emphasized the importance of foreign investments for the country’s development and encouraged the public to assess the benefits of such partnerships.
“When I was the Prime Minister of Kenya, I was introduced to Adani by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then Chief Minister of Gujarat,” said Raila.
He described a trip to Gujarat, where Adani had turned a swamp into a bustling port, power plant, and industrial hub.
“In Mumbai, I witnessed how they transformed a collapsing airport into a world-class facility, and their power projects benefit millions.”
Raila Odinga emphasized that Adani Group’s interest in investing in Kenya dates back more than a decade. He explained that their initial proposal was delayed due to the absence of a legal framework governing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) at the time.
Odinga noted that Kenya’s current PPP laws are modeled on those from India, particularly the state of Gujarat, where Adani has played a pivotal role in infrastructure development. Despite this foundation, he warned that the existing framework must be strengthened to enhance investor confidence and ensure the success of future projects.
He underscored the need for Kenya to continuously improve its regulatory environment to retain foreign investors, particularly in critical sectors like infrastructure, where robust partnerships can drive long-term growth.
“There have been misgivings about how the PPP processes for JKIA and the energy sector have been handled, but we must ensure that Kenya remains an attractive destination for such investments,” Raila stated.
“Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa.”
Raila Odinga urged the Kenyan government to ensure transparency in addressing public concerns surrounding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. He stressed that PPP processes should remain open, competitive, and fair to maintain public trust.
While recognizing that investors must earn profits, Odinga emphasized the importance of protecting national interests. He specifically highlighted key areas such as labor laws, environmental conservation, and the need for Kenyan courts to have jurisdiction in resolving disputes related to these partnerships.
By balancing investor benefits with these safeguards, Odinga believes Kenya can foster both economic growth and national integrity.
“If we scare away investors like Adani, we risk stalling critical infrastructure development at a time when our neighbors are pulling ahead,” he warned.
Raila Odinga called on stakeholders to avoid politicizing the debate over Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), emphasizing the need to keep Kenya attractive to foreign investors. He stressed that infrastructure development is crucial for the country’s growth, and the focus should be on maintaining a competitive edge in attracting foreign capital rather than engaging in political disputes.
By prioritizing the country’s economic interests and ensuring that PPP processes are well-regulated and transparent, Odinga believes Kenya can meet its infrastructure needs while remaining a favorable destination for global investment.
“If we mishandle this, it could break our ability to develop for years to come,” he cautioned.
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The Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate, has proposed investing $1.84 billion to modernize and expand Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The plan includes constructing a new terminal, taxiways, and other infrastructure, with the project operating over 30 years through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement. Once completed, the airport would revert to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
However, the proposal has stirred significant controversy. Critics, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), argue that this move risks privatizing a profitable national asset.
They express concerns about a significant portion of JKIA’s revenue being transferred to Adani during the concession period.
Additionally, questions have been raised about the transparency of the process, the potential impact on job security for Kenyan workers, and whether Kenya could fund the airport’s expansion independently to retain full control over its assets.
The ongoing debate highlights the balance between attracting foreign investment and safeguarding national interests.
