NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed deep disappointment over the government’s decision to cancel a multibillion-shilling deal with Indian conglomerate Adani Group for the expansion and management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that the move could cost Nairobi its regional leadership in aviation and trade.
Speaking during the National Executive Retreat in Karen on Thursday, Raila said the deal—once operational—would have transformed Nairobi into a leading economic hub in Africa.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract. That was very unfortunate,” Raila told senior government officials.
The ODM leader revealed that JKIA’s original Greenfield expansion project was first awarded during the Grand Coalition Government he co-led with the late President Mwai Kibaki in 2012, but the contract was terminated after their administration exited office.
The same company was later re-engaged, only for the contract to be cancelled again.
The latest Adani deal, which would have seen the firm operate JKIA and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) for 30 years, was scrapped earlier this year by President William Ruto’s administration.
The contract was valued at over Sh637 billion, with Sh238 billion earmarked specifically for airport expansion.
“Politics Killed the Project,” Says Raila
Raila attributed the collapse of the Adani deal to political interference, claiming the project was unnecessarily politicized despite its potential to reposition Nairobi as the leading air and business hub in the region.
“When we got to Adani, they brought politics and the contract was cancelled. If nothing is done, Nairobi will just become dormant,” he said.“ Look at Addis Ababa, they are now putting up a massive airport that is bound to become the regional hub.”
He warned that if Kenya continues stalling on such major infrastructure investments, countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda will seize the opportunity and cement their status as East Africa’s primary aviation gateways.
Vision for KQ and the Future of JKIA
Raila also advocated for a strategic, long-term approach to national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ), arguing that the airline’s success should not be measured purely by profit margins.
“Look at Emirates—people there don’t look at the airline for profits. It’s a vehicle that brings investors, shoppers, and tourists. KQ can be making losses, but if it brings people to our country, it’s worth it.”
He urged the government to prioritize building a large, modern airport in Nairobi, saying that infrastructure is key to driving economic growth through increased trade, tourism, and investment.
“If we don’t act now, Rwanda is going to do it—and Kigali will become the hub.”
