Rising tensions surrounding the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by India’s Adani Group are raising fears of a broader anti-India sentiment in Kenya. The contentious proposal, which has already ignited protests in Kenya, is now causing unrest in India as opposition leaders warn of a potential diplomatic crisis.
The ongoing negotiations have reached a critical juncture as a 16-member Kenyan delegation landed in Mumbai earlier this week to conduct due diligence on the Ksh246 billion investment proposal from Adani Group.
The investment, aimed at modernizing JKIA’s aging infrastructure, has drawn significant scrutiny due to the terms of the proposed 30-year concession. Adani is seeking exclusive control over JKIA, including a clause preventing the Kenyan government from constructing another airport during this period.
The proposal also grants Adani authority over upgrades at Kenya’s 38 airports, tax exemptions, control over airport fees, and significant influence over hiring and firing personnel.
In India, the proposal is being examined not just for its business implications but for the potential geopolitical fallout. Jairam Ramesh, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, expressed concern that the protests in Kenya against Adani Group’s involvement could quickly escalate 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 comments highlight the delicate balance India must maintain as it seeks to expand its economic presence in Africa without inciting backlash. He pointed to previous controversies involving Adani projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which 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 is growing increasingly tense as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) continues to oppose the Adani takeover. The union, representing around 10,000 workers, has threatened to go on strike, accusing the Kenyan government of attempting to privatize the airport in secrecy.
“The government is not being transparent with this proposal. We see this as an underhanded attempt to privatize a national asset without proper stakeholder engagement,” said a KAWU representative. “We are not against modernization, but this should not come at the cost of Kenyan jobs and national sovereignty.”
KAWU initially planned to stage a walkout on August 19 but postponed the strike following promises of negotiations. Despite the delay, union leaders are resolute in their demands and insist they will not back down until their concerns are addressed.
The Kenyan government, however, has defended the proposal, arguing that JKIA’s outdated infrastructure urgently needs modernization. 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 toward the November deadline. 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 faces increasing pressure to reassess its involvement in the project. Ramesh’s comments suggest that Adani Group’s ambitions in Kenya could become a flashpoint in India’s domestic politics, especially 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.”