Listen to what Adani offers JKIA, negotiate a win-win pact

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been plagued by several structural problems for several years, ranging from water leaks to frequent power outages.

Kenya, and indeed a major aviation hub in the region, has enormous potential for economic growth and transformation, but is hampered by several challenges. In March this year, the Adani Group submitted a private initiative application (PIP) for a concession to expand and operate JKIA under the ‘build, operate and transfer’ model.

The proposal has sparked unrest among Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers, who recently staged a strike over concerns about job security and the consequences of Adam’s involvement.

However, the Adani group has signaled flexibility and softened its stance following the workers’ dispute, announcing that all KAA employees will continue to work under current conditions.

Instead of resisting this change or throwing the baby out with the bathwater, it just needs to be improved or better negotiated so that it can be used as a catalyst for development and economic growth.

Adani’s investment in JKIA not only has the potential to modernize critical infrastructure, but also reflects a broader pattern of positive Indian investment across Africa, including Kenya.

For decades, Indian investment has contributed to Africa’s economic growth, from the retail and hospitality industries to infrastructure and telecommunications. Indian companies have maintained a reputation for sustainable and socially conscious development.

Companies such as Tata, Bharti Airtel and Mahindra have made progress in building stronger ties with Africa by offering services and products that support economic development, employment and skills development.

In Kenya, Indian companies have played a key role in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. For example, Apollo Hospitals, one of India’s largest healthcare providers, has formed joint ventures to improve access to healthcare services in Kenya.

Indian-owned tea plantations have long employed thousands of Kenyans, contributing to the development of the rural economy. This relationship is symbiotic, with Indian companies contributing expertise, capital and jobs.

The Adani Group, a global powerhouse with extensive experience in infrastructure, port management and energy, offers Kenya a huge modernization opportunity. It has transformed many airports and ports in India into world-class facilities.

In Mumbai, Mundra and Lucknow, Adani’s investment has created state-of-the-art infrastructure, increased productivity and boosted tourism and trade.

At JKIA, Adani’s involvement is likely to inject capital for long-needed upgrades, including upgrading runways, terminals and cargo facilities.

A world-class airport is crucial for Kenya as it seeks to position itself as a business and tourism hub for East Africa.

The improvements will increase the capacity to handle increased passenger traffic, strengthen trade links and attract foreign investment. This will create long-term jobs in the tourism, hotel and ancillary services sectors.

One of the main concerns of protesters in Kenya is the fear of losing their jobs. But Adani was committed to creating jobs, not eliminating them. In its port operations in India, Adani not only employed local workers, but also invested in skills development and training to ensure workers were prepared for new technologies.

In Kenya, Adani may take a similar approach. By improving the functioning of the airport, it will create new roles in administration, logistics and customer service.

India and Africa have a long history of cultural and economic ties, and India is emerging as a key partner on Africa’s development path. Indian companies are recognized for their collaborative approach, focusing on long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Adani’s takeover of JKIA should be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity for Kenya to enter a new era of economic development.

Past Indian investments in Kenya and across Africa have played a key role in driving growth and supporting innovation. Adani’s presence is likely to have similar positive effects.