Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has blamed political interference for the collapse of a deal that would have seen India’s Adani Group expand and manage Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that Kenya risks losing its competitive edge to neighboring countries.
Speaking at the Third National Executive Retreat in Karen on Friday, Odinga expressed frustration over the failed agreement, stating that Nairobi could become economically stagnant if critical infrastructure projects continue to face disruptions.
The event was also attended by President William Ruto and other top government officials.
Odinga, who leads the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), revealed that the JKIA expansion project had faced repeated setbacks due to political disagreements.
He recalled that the initial contract for a new Greenfield terminal was awarded during his tenure as Prime Minister under the coalition government with former President Mwai Kibaki in 2012.
However, the deal was canceled after their administration left office.
“We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government in 2012. That contract was canceled, then it was given back to the same contractor, only to be canceled again due to disagreements,” Odinga said.
He further lamented that when the Adani Group was brought in to revive the project, political opposition scuttled the deal.
“When we brought in Adani, they (political opponents) brought politics, and the contract was canceled.
I was very disappointed—it was very unfortunate,” he added.
Odinga warned that Kenya’s strategic advantage as an aviation and trade hub is under threat, pointing to Ethiopia’s rapid expansion of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and the dominance of Ethiopian Airlines.
“Look at Addis Ababa—they’re growing and building a massive new airport. They will become the new regional hub. Ethiopian Airlines is now the dominant carrier in Africa. Kenya Airways could do the same, but we are not making it happen,” he said.
Drawing parallels to Dubai’s success, Odinga emphasized that a world-class airport is not just about profits but about driving economic growth. “Emirates Airlines isn’t just about revenue—it’s a vehicle that brings investors, shoppers, and tourists to Dubai.
We need the same vision for Nairobi,” he said. The former Prime Minister cautioned that if Kenya fails to act, Rwanda could seize the opportunity to establish Kigali as the region’s premier aviation hub.
“If we don’t expand JKIA, Rwanda will do it, and Kigali will become the new Dubai of Africa.
Nairobi has the potential, but we must act now,” Odinga stressed.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates over Kenya’s infrastructure development strategy, with critics accusing successive governments of delaying key projects due to political disputes.
The JKIA expansion, seen as vital for boosting tourism and trade, remains in limbo as stakeholders weigh the next steps.
As of press time, the Kenyan government had not issued an official response to Odinga’s statements.
However, industry experts warn that further delays could cost Kenya its position as East Africa’s leading aviation and logistics hub.
