Rising tensions over the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by India’s Adani Group are stoking fears of a broader anti-India sentiment in Kenya, as the contentious proposal faces resistance on both sides of the Indian Ocean.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
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. The visits by Kenyan officials marks a critical step towards finalising the agreement, which is expected to be completed by November.
Why it matters:
Under the proposal, the 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.
Dig deeper:
In India, the proposal is being scrutinised 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 on Tuesday, September 3. “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.”
Ramesh’s warning highlights the precarious balance India must maintain as it seeks to expand its economic footprint in Africa without sparking a backlash against Indian interests abroad. He 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.
“In recent years, similar controversies over Adani Group projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have undermined our national interests. The ongoing protests in Kenya risk becoming yet another chapter in this troubling pattern,” Ramesh added.
Back in Kenya, the situation remains tense as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) continues to oppose the Adani takeover. The union, which represents around 10,000 workers, has threatened to go on strike, accusing the Kenyan government of attempting to privatise the airport by secrecy.
“The government is not being transparent with this proposal. We see this as an underhanded attempt to privatise a national asset without proper stakeholder engagement,” said a KAWU representative. “We are not against modernisation, but this should not come at the cost of Kenyan jobs and national sovereignty.”
KAWU had initially planned to stage a walkout on August 19 but postponed the strike following promises of negotiations. Despite the delay, union leaders insist they will not back down until their concerns are addressed.
The Kenyan government, on its part, has defended the proposed proposal, arguing that JKIA’s outdated infrastructure urgently needs modernisation. According to officials, the investment required for the airport’s overhaul cannot be covered by the state alone, necessitating private sector involvement.
“The investment needed to bring JKIA up to international standards is substantial. We simply do not have the fiscal resources to fund this on our own,” said a senior official from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). “Engaging with a private partner like Adani is essential to ensure the airport remains competitive in the region.”
Despite these assurances, the proposal’s detractors remain unconvinced, and the clock is ticking towards the November timeline. With both sides digging in their heels, the situation appears poised for a showdown that could have far-reaching consequences.
As negotiations continue, the Indian government is likely to face increasing pressure to reassess its involvement in the project. Ramesh’s comments suggest that the Adani Group’s ambitions in Kenya could become a flashpoint in India’s domestic politics, particularly given the close ties between the company and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India’s soft power has been one of the greatest strengths of our foreign policy. Today, this strength is at risk because of the government’s ties with Adani,” Ramesh stated. “This is an unprecedented failure for India on the global stage, and the consequences could be severe….CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLE>>>
