Adani Group Submits Investment Proposal for Nairobi Airport in Africa Expansion Push.

Adani Group has submitted a proposal to develop Nairobi Airport through a public-private partnership, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced in a statement. Nairobi Airport, a hub for Kenya Airways and the seventh busiest airport in Africa in 2022 in terms of passenger traffic, is a crucial gateway in East Africa, particularly for cargo exports like cut flowers.

The KAA disclosed the proposal details on Wednesday after local protests over a lack of transparency in the process. Following allegations of a “secret deal,” the government clarified on Tuesday that the airport is not being sold.

Adani Group declined to comment on the proposal. Currently, the group manages eight domestic airports in India, including the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. Additionally, Adani has signed an agreement to acquire a 95% stake in a container terminal in Tanzania.

KAA CEO Henry Ogoye stated that the authority received the investment proposal from Adani Airports Holding Ltd. under the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021. The group aims to invest in a new passenger terminal building, a second runway, and the refurbishment of existing facilities at Nairobi Airport.

The proposal will undergo technical, financial, and legal reviews as required by the 2021 Act. “The project agreement will be preceded by stakeholder engagement, national treasury approval, attorney general clearance, and cabinet approval,” Ogoye said in a statement.

Ogoye emphasized that the airport’s development cannot be financed without private funding and assured that there would be no job losses.

HBL