KAA rejects allegations of Adani stake in Airport revamp

The Kenya Airports Authority has firmly denied reports linking India’s Adani Group to the ongoing modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the authority said a previously proposed arrangement with the Indian conglomerate was formally cancelled. It added that there are currently no discussions with Adani Group or any of its affiliates regarding the airport.

“KAA confirms that the Privately Initiated Proposal with Adani Group was cancelled. There are no engagements whatsoever with the Group in relation to JKIA,” the statement read.

The clarification follows media reports suggesting the company could still be involved in the airport’s redevelopment.

KAA stressed that the airport’s expansion is a government-led project. It is being implemented under established public-sector procedures and procurement laws. The authority said the programme is fully funded by the Government of Kenya.

On February 24, 2026, KAA confirmed that the Kenyan government had officially terminated a Sh238 billion airport renovation agreement that had been proposed under the Privately Initiated Proposal framework.

The matter is now before the High Court. The petition is scheduled to be mentioned on May 6, 2026, for further directions.

JKIA is Kenya’s main international gateway and a critical national asset. Any proposed changes to its ownership or financing often attract intense public scrutiny.

The cancelled proposal had been part of broader discussions about alternative financing models for major infrastructure projects. Across Africa and other emerging markets, governments have increasingly explored private-sector participation to ease fiscal pressure and accelerate delivery.

Under Kenya’s Privately Initiated Proposal framework, private companies can submit unsolicited bids for public infrastructure projects. These proposals must undergo strict evaluation and approval processes before any agreement is signed.

KAA emphasised that the Adani-linked proposal did not progress and has no connection to the current upgrade plans.

The authority reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability. It said it will continue updating stakeholders and the public on developments at JKIA.

The statement was signed by Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mohamud Gedi.

JKIA’s modernisation programme is being rolled out in phases. It aims to expand passenger capacity, improve terminals, enhance safety systems and strengthen Kenya’s role as a regional aviation and logistics hub. The airport handles millions of passengers each year and remains central to tourism, trade and cargo movement.