Kenya has reportedly selected China Communications Construction Company to undertake a $2.9 billion modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking a significant development in the country’s aviation infrastructure plans.
According to infra.economictimes.ind, the decision is expected to strengthen China’s role in Kenya’s transport sector while reviving debate over a previous airport upgrade proposal involving an Indian conglomerate that failed to materialize. The project aims to expand capacity and improve facilities at Kenya’s busiest international gateway as the country seeks to position itself as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Tycoon Gautam Adani’s bid to upgrade, expand and run the airport located in Kenya’s capital for some $2 billion triggered protests and a strike by airport workers, forcing President William Ruto’s government to cancel the deal in November 2024.
Initially, Kenya had engaged with Adani for a few months on the project. However, the deal was scrapped following mounting pressure on President Ruto, amid global allegations raised by the US Department of Justice against the group (which Adani denied).
A few days ago, the US Department of Justice closed the matter citing lack of conclusive evidence, bringing the episode to a close from a legal standpoint.
The airport upgrade project became politically and publicly charged in Kenya. A sustained social media campaign and public debate, prominently led by whistleblower Nelson Amenya, a Kenyan influencer based in France, amplified scrutiny around the deal.
The Kenyan airport deal gave Indian opposition party politicians, including Jairam Ramesh of the Indian National Congress, yet another opportunity to attack Adani.
Aviation industry sources said that India lost a good opportunity to expand in an overseas airport project due to the negative campaign unleased against the Adani Group which runs several airports in India.
