Abandon JKIA-Adani deal, Senators ask government

Senators have strongly opposed the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the Adani Group, terming it a fraudulent venture given the company's reputation, which they say is dotted with graft.

The move follows an outcry by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers over their fate if Adani takes over, and questions on the status of the deal.

The Senate rejected the proposal after Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir appeared before the Senate Committee on Transport Friday, after being turned away on Thursday for lacking documentation on the Adani deal.

This time, he presented details of the concession agreement and proposal by Adani to the Senate, in the face of questions on the proposed deal.

"We are willing to give an investment of Ksh.1.3 trillion for Ksh.265 billion?" Asked Ledama Olekina, Senator for Narok.

Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute added: "I wonder why the government even decided that they are going to negotiate with them."

The CS in his response said, "It's a proposal and not a contract. 23 million capacity, new passenger terminal. Present stage — stakeholder engagement and drafting."

The senators say the privately initiated proposal by the Adani Group to revamp and run the airport for 30 years could be a conduit to siphon funds.

"What you are confronting us with is a concealment of fraud where a public project is being used to repatriate money that has been stolen from Kenya,” stated Busia  Senator Okiyah Omtatah.

His Nandi counterpart Samson Cherargei added: "Pure manipulation, gamesmanship, greed, corruption, and larceny."

Following a whistleblower's account, the senators want him protected while questioning why negotiations were conducted silently, away from the public eye.

"We understand that money exchanged hands in a meeting in Dubai,” Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka, noted.

Edwin Sifuna, Senator for Nairobi added, "If you get a proposal, you should make it public."

Chirchir, however, maintained that Adani should be given the benefit of the doubt and not be condemned in totality saying, “The terms will be the same or better."

The committee wants the Director General for the Public Private Partnership, Chris Ikirigwa, and Treasury CS, John Mbadi, to answer questions on the deal.