Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has for the first time disclosed that he was disappointed when the Adani deal to expand and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) collapsed.
Speaking on the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen, Nairobi, Raila said should it have proceeded, it would have elevated Nairobi into a regional economic hub.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract that was very unfortunate,” he said.
Raila narrated that the first expansion contract for JKIA was awarded while he served as Prime Minister, but was later on cancelled after the grand coalition government left office.
He said the same company was again awarded the contract and then terminated it following disagreements.
The ODM who had joined senior state officials for the retreat said Adani deal was politicized leading to its cancellation.
He cautioned that if nothing is done, JKIA will remain dormant while other countries that are expanding will grow into regional hubs.
“We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government with Mwai Kibaki in 2012. That contract was cancelled, then it was given to the same contractor but then again cancelled because of disagreements. When we got to Adani they brought politics and the contract was cancelled.
“If that is not done Nairobi will just become dormant. Look at Addis Abba, they are going and now putting up a new big airport and it's going to be the hub around,” Raila said.
The Sh637 billion Adani deal would see the Indian conglomerate running both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Ketraco for 30 years.
JKIA expansion would have cost at least Sh238 billion. Ruto ordered the cancellation.
Raila said if the airport construction is done, it has the potential to become Africa’s top airline.
“Look at Emirates, people there do not look at the airline for profits, it is basically a vehicle bringing investors, shoppers and tourists to the emirates.
“KQ can be making losses, as long as it’s bringing people to our country. Put up a big airport in Nairobi, if we don’t do it, Rwanda is going to do it and Kigali can be the hub around here.”
