The proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the Indian firm Adani Group has sparked fresh opposition, particularly from India’s Congress party.
On September 3, 2024, Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, voiced his concerns about the takeover, highlighting the protests from aviation workers in Kenya who are against the move. Ramesh criticized the proposal, expressing fear that it could “lead to anger against India and the Indian government.” He elaborated, stating, “This is a matter of grave concern for India, because the Prime Minister’s close relationship with Mr. Adani is now globally recognized. These protests could easily transform into widespread resentment towards India and its government.”
Ramesh also drew attention to previous Adani Group projects in neighboring countries that had led to significant unrest. He cited a contract between the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and Adani’s coal plant in Jharkhand as a key factor in the protests that eventually contributed to her resignation.
Further criticizing the Indian Prime Minister’s ties with the Adani Group, Ramesh argued that this relationship has negatively impacted India’s global reputation. “Today, the Prime Minister’s association with the Adani Group has weakened India’s international standing and led to significant setbacks—just one of the many costs the country has borne due to the Prime Minister’s close friendship with Adani,” he remarked.
These comments were made shortly after Adani Enterprises established a Kenyan subsidiary to advance its efforts to take over the management of JKIA. The Adani Group recently launched a new company in Kenya, Airports Infrastructure PLC (AIP), through its step-down subsidiary, Global Airports Operator L.L.C. (GAO). This new entity aims to manage, upgrade, and modernize airports across Kenya.
Adani announced the creation of AIP in a notice dated August 30, which was communicated to both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE). Although Adani has not yet commenced business operations, AIP is officially registered under Kenya’s Companies Act of 2015 and is fully owned by Global Airports Operator L.L.C.
Notably, no cash consideration or share swap was involved in the formation of this subsidiary, as GAO retains complete ownership of the share capital.
