Reports have sparked controversy over the alleged leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Group.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has raised significant concerns about the deal, questioning its transparency and demanding detailed information from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Senator Onyonka has requested the Senate Committee on Roads and Transport to provide a detailed statement about the terms of the alleged lease.
He emphasized, “We need a comprehensive disclosure of the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the selection process for Adani Group.” He also stressed the importance of clarity regarding the ownership and operational specifics of Adani Commercial, the subsidiary involved in the deal.
The proposed deal reportedly involves a 30-year concession under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model. According to Onyonka, “The terms of the concession give Adani the authority to set charges for airlines and other services at JKIA, which raises concerns about monopolistic practices and potential impacts on service costs.”
Onyonka has also demanded documentation from the KAA board meeting held on July 15, 2024. He stated, “We need to see the meeting notice, agenda, minutes, and resolutions to understand the decisions made by the board and the rationale behind leasing public land to Adani for further development.”
Adani Group, India’s largest airport infrastructure company, manages several airports and handles a significant portion of the country’s passenger and cargo traffic. However, the company has faced allegations of corruption and unethical practices, adding to the controversy surrounding its involvement with JKIA.
In addition to the airport lease controversy, there have been speculative reports about potential gold mines and oil reserves in Kenya. Rumors suggest new gold deposits have been found in certain regions of Kenya. Official confirmation is pending, requiring further geological surveys and government announcements.
