The Kenya Airports Authority on Tuesday denied reports that India’s Adani Group is involved in upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, saying the privately initiated proposal was “formally cancelled.”
The Authority said the modernisation programme is a “Government of Kenya-funded initiative” and pledged to “continue to keep stakeholders and the public informed.”
In a press statement issued in Nairobi on March 3, 2026, the Authority sought to address what it described as inaccurate claims published in a local newspaper regarding the airport’s upgrade programme.
“KAA wishes to clarify reports published in one of today's newspapers regarding the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in the modernisation mode and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” the statement read.
The Authority confirmed that any prior engagement with the Adani Group had been terminated and that there were currently no negotiations underway.
“KAA confirms that the Privately Initiated Proposal with the Adani Group was formally cancelled, and there are no discussions with the Group or any of its affiliates in relation to JKIA,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny over infrastructure partnerships and procurement processes involving major state projects.
JKIA, Kenya’s main international gateway, has been earmarked for significant upgrades to enhance passenger capacity, improve facilities and strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub.
KAA emphasised that the airport’s modernisation and expansion are being funded by the Government of Kenya and are being implemented within the framework of established public-sector regulations.
“The JKIA modernisation and expansion programme is a Government of Kenya-funded initiative and implemented in accordance with established public-sector policies and procedures,” the Authority said.
While it did not provide further details about the scope, timelines or contractors involved in the project, KAA reiterated its commitment to transparency in managing the development of the country’s key aviation infrastructure.
“The Authority remains committed to transparency and will continue to keep stakeholders and the public informed,” the statement added.
The press release was signed by Mohamud Gedi, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KAA, and included official contact details for further enquiries.
The issue of private sector participation in public infrastructure has often drawn debate in Kenya, particularly in large-scale projects such as airports, ports and highways.
Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs) are typically submitted by investors seeking to partner with the government on infrastructure development, subject to evaluation and approval under public-private partnership frameworks.
KAA’s statement did not elaborate on the reasons behind the cancellation of the proposal with the Adani Group, nor did it indicate whether alternative private investors had expressed interest in the JKIA project.
The Authority’s motto, “Setting our sights high,” was included at the end of the statement, reaffirming its stated ambition to enhance Kenya’s aviation standards and infrastructure.
JKIA serves as a critical hub for passenger and cargo traffic in East Africa, handling millions of travellers annually and playing a central role in regional connectivity.
Any developments concerning its expansion are closely watched by industry stakeholders, investors and the travelling public.
For now, KAA maintains that the airport’s upgrade remains a government-funded initiative, with no ongoing involvement from the Adani Group.
