NAIROBI: Kenya’s High Court has put a stop to a contentious deal involving India’s Adani Group, which was set to take over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The decision, celebrated by critics, is being called “a victory for the Kenyan people.”
The Adani Group had been in discussions with the Kenyan government to invest $1.85 billion in exchange for a 30-year lease of JKIA, the country’s main airport.
However, the deal has sparked heavy criticism, with opponents arguing it could lead to job cuts for local workers and deprive the country of future revenue generated by the airport.
JKIA plays a crucial role in Kenya’s economy, as fees from freight and passengers at the airport contribute over five percent to the nation’s GDP.
On Monday, the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission filed a court case against the deal. They argued that the agreement violated principles of good governance, transparency, and responsible use of public funds.
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They also raised concerns about the lack of accountability surrounding the deal.
In response, the High Court has approved their request to temporarily halt the agreement while awaiting a final decision, for which no date has been set.
The Kenyan government has defended the deal, stating that it is necessary to modernize JKIA. The airport, which handled 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 tonnes of cargo in 2022-2023, is considered one of Africa’s busiest hubs but is often plagued by power outages and infrastructure issues such as leaking roofs.
The Adani Group planned to add a second runway and improve the passenger terminal as part of the investment.
Despite these promises, Ochiel Dudley, a lawyer representing the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, expressed relief over the court’s decision, stating that it was a win for the Kenyan people, whose concerns had been ignored by political leaders eager to move forward with what many saw as a questionable deal.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which had previously threatened to strike over the agreement, has delayed its planned walkout twice, allowing more time for negotiations.
