Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has criticized the recent cancellation of a key airport expansion contract with India’s Adani Group, terming it a major strategic blunder that could derail Kenya’s ambitions to maintain Nairobi as a leading regional transport and investment hub.
Speaking at the third Executive Retreat convened by President William Ruto in Karen, Odinga expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to move forward with the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). He recalled that the original Greenfield Terminal contract was awarded in 2012 during his tenure as Prime Minister alongside the late President Mwai Kibaki.
“I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract with Adani. That was very unfortunate. Several contracts have been canceled,” he said.
Odinga blamed political interference for the repeated halting of critical infrastructure projects, warning that Nairobi risks losing its strategic position in regional aviation. He noted that other East African cities, notably Kigali and Addis Ababa, are rapidly advancing their aviation infrastructure to seize the mantle of regional air transport dominance.
“If the airport is not expanded, Nairobi will become dormant. In Addis Ababa, they are already putting up a new big airport. Ethiopian Airlines is now the dominant carrier in the continent. Kenya Airways can do the same,” Odinga said. “If we don’t act, Kigali will become the hub around here.”
Beyond airport infrastructure, Odinga emphasized the need to reposition Kenya Airways as a national strategic asset rather than a profit-driven enterprise. Drawing comparisons with Emirates, he argued that national carriers can be powerful tools for attracting investment and tourism.
“Kenya Airways can make losses so long as it’s bringing people to our country. Emirates is not just about profits it’s about delivering tourists, investors, and shoppers. KQ should serve the same purpose,” he said.
Odinga’s remarks reignite the debate on prioritizing long-term infrastructure and aviation strategies vital for Kenya’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
