Wednesday, September 4, 2024 – President William Ruto’s deal with Indian company Adani Holdings to take over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has raised tension both in Kenya and India.
The ongoing negotiations, which
have already sparked protests in Kenya, are now being linked to growing unrest
in India, where opposition leaders warn the situation could escalate into a
diplomatic crisis.
This development comes as a
16-member Kenyan delegation touched down in Mumbai earlier this week to
conduct due diligence on the Ksh246 billion investment proposal from Adani
Group, which is seeking to modernise JKIA’s aging infrastructure.
Under the proposal, Adani is
seeking a 30-year exclusive concession at JKIA, which includes a clause
preventing the Kenyan government from constructing another airport during this
period.
Additionally, Adani wants
authority over any upgrades across Kenya's 38 airports.
The proposal also stipulates tax
exemptions, control over airport fees, and significant influence over the
hiring and firing of airport personnel.
In India, the proposal is being
scrutinized not just for its business implications but for the potential
geopolitical fallout.
Jairam Ramesh, a senior figure
in the Indian National Congress, has cautioned that the protests in Kenya
against the Adani Group’s involvement could quickly morph into a broader
anti-India sentiment.
“The proposed takeover of
Nairobi airport by the Adani Group has sparked widespread protests in Kenya.
This is a matter of grave concern for India,” Ramesh said in a statement.
“The protests could easily
convert into anger against India and the Indian Government, especially given
the well-known friendship between Adani and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Ramesh pointed to previous
controversies involving Adani projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which have
similarly triggered unrest and damaged India’s reputation in those countries.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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