Adani Whistleblower Exposes More Unknown Details in Contested JKIA Takeover Deal
The whistleblower behind the explosive revelations about the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by India’s Adani Group has exposed an alarming new dimension of the deal.
Nelson Amenya, who leaked details of the controversial contract, claims that Adani is seeking to have JKIA’s title deed transferred under its name for the duration of the 30-year agreement. Amenya’s revelations, however, have come at a personal cost, as he now faces a wave of threats and intimidation.
Amenya, speaking during an interview with KTN News, explained that he has been living in constant fear for his safety and that of his business since making the information public. “I have been warned by international journalists that Adani would use various means to silence me,” he narrated, adding that he has been targeted by online attacks and threats, particularly from Indian bloggers.
Why it matters: JKIA is an important national asset with strategic influence across East Africa. Kenyans have expressed concerns over the opaqueness of the dealings with the Adani Group, and the latest developments come amid a push for more details and transparency on the takeover.
Vehicles undergoing inspection at the JKIA entrance.
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Nairobi National Park
Dig deeper: The contract, which would see Adani inject Ksh260 billion into expanding JKIA, has been heavily criticised for its potentially devastating consequences for Kenya’s taxpayers.
According to Amenya, the deal includes clauses that would force the government to compensate Adani if protests, parliamentary actions, or other disruptions derail the project. These compensations could involve covering lost returns, investment costs, and even termination fees under the pretext of “Material Adverse Government Actions.”
Amenya’s fears escalated last week when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sent a letter informing him that his company was under investigation for alleged cryptocurrency fraud, accusations he strongly denies. “This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate me. My company has never been involved in cryptocurrency,” he stated.
He also disclosed that Adani’s demands extended far beyond financial control. “They want sole control over JKIA for 30 years and even beyond. They plan to own 18 per cent of the airport indefinitely after the lease expires,” he revealed.
The company is also reportedly asking for the right to adjust airport fees, negotiate worker contracts, and even block the development of other airports in Kenya, effectively monopolising the country’s aviation sector.
The whistleblower further shed light on Adani’s intention to use JKIA’s title deed as collateral for loans, a move that could jeopardise Kenya’s largest airport and expose it to financial risks. Adani has also requested tax exemptions and control over the hiring and firing of airport staff, making it clear they intend to have significant leverage over Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.
“This deal is designed to benefit Adani at Kenya’s expense,” Amenya warned. He criticised the lack of transparency, noting that the revenue generated by the project would be funneled through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) based in Abu Dhabi, raising red flags about the financial structure. “Why should the money go to Abu Dhabi before it reaches India? This setup only adds to the suspicion,” he argued.
The contract would effectively place Kenya’s airports under foreign control, undermining Vision 2030, which aims to develop the country’s infrastructure to drive economic growth. With Adani holding exclusive rights over JKIA, Kenya would have little say in its future, especially concerning competition from other airports.
What the government is saying: Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson, confirmed that Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) received a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) from Adani Airport Holdings in March 2024. However, he insisted that no agreement has been finalised. “The proposal is undergoing due process, including consultations with stakeholders and government approval. No terms have been agreed upon,” Mwaura asserted in a statement.
He was quick to reassure the public that “JKIA is a Strategic National Asset and is not for sale.”
Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify the claims, however, the government has assured Kenyans it will submit all relevant documents relating to the deal to court.
Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
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KCAA
