Adani won't get airport deal through the back door, says transport CS
National
By
David Odongo
| Mar 05, 2026
The government has refuted claims that the controversial Adani Group will be back during the announcement of a fresh competitive bidding process for the expansion of JKIA and other key airports.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, in a press briefing, sought to assure Kenyans that the Indian conglomerate, whose 30-year deal was scrapped in November 2024, would have no place in the new procurement process.
“We are competitively advertising for bidders to come in. The process is transparent, and we have been working on this master plan for some time. The issue of Adani is speculation. I can assure Kenyans the process will be transparent,” said Chirchir.
READ MORE
Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade
Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground
Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector
Tourism earnings hit record Sh500 billion as arrivals near 8m
Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training
Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend
Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future
The collapse of the Adani deal remains one of the most embarrassing episodes in Kenya’s recent procurement history. The agreement, which would have handed the conglomerate control of JKIA for three decades, was cancelled following public uproar and explosive corruption charges against Group Chair Gautam Adani in the US.
US authorities accused Adani of allegedly paying Sh30 billion in bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India. These revelations sent shockwaves through Nairobi and forced President William Ruto’s administration to abandon the deal.
But the damage had already been done. Taxpayers were left nursing a Sh243 million legal bill, which is nearly 20 times the original Sh12.5 million budget for defending the ill-fated procurement in court.
According to CS Chirchir, the government is charting a new course: “Today, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) launched an open tender inviting contractor to submit proposals for extensive works at the airport.”
The scope is ambitious, as it involves runway rehabilitation, slope stabilisation, and enhanced commercial, security, and digital infrastructure.
The CS outlined the master plan, which includes the construction of two additional runways and a new passenger terminal designed to handle 10 million travellers annually. Beyond the airport, the authority aims to develop an “airport city” and a special economic zone spanning 12,000 acres adjacent to the aviation hub.
The project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. “KAA cannot operate the mega project on its balance sheet, so PPP is the way to go,” Chirchir explained.
When pressed on cost estimates, the CS was coy. “Our engineering estimates… we are holding close to our chest. We will be guided as we receive the bids,” he said.
The CS promised visible upgrades within 15 months. “We will work around the clock and deliver a new airport within three years,” Chirchir added, after which construction of the new terminal will commence.
But the shadow of Adani lingers. Yesterday, KAA Acting Managing Director Mohamud Gedi was forced to issue a statement dismissing reports that UAE citizen Nassir Ali Shaban Ahli and Taiwanese national Chang Chung-Ling were being used as Adani proxies.
“KAA confirms that the privately initiated proposal with the Adani Group was formally cancelled, and there are no discussions with the group or any of its affiliates in relation to JKIA,” Dr Gedi insisted.
MOST READ
- Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi