Passaris Defends Controversial JKIA Lease to Adani Amid Public Outrage
Esther Passaris supports the controversial 30-year lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Adani Group, citing the success of India's Ahmedabad Airport as a positive example. The lease has sparked public protests and a legal challenge, with the High Court halting the proposal pending further review.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended the government's decision to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group, urging Kenyans to understand the benefits of the deal.
Speaking at JKIA, Passaris shared her positive experience with Ahmedabad Airport in India, which was also managed by the Adani Group. “Four years ago, Ahmedabad Airport was mediocre. Today, it’s a five-star airport thanks to Adani,” she said.
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Passaris, who was en route to Johannesburg for a Pan-African Parliament meeting, expressed hope that the ongoing strike at JKIA over the Adani deal would soon be resolved. She highlighted the need for transparency, calling for clear communication on Adani’s investment plans. "What will they do for the terminals? Can we have an airport as good as Dubai’s?" she asked.
The workers' strike has left many passengers stranded, protesting the planned takeover by Adani. The High Court has since issued a stay order, halting the implementation of the proposal until the case is resolved.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have filed a legal challenge against the deal, citing concerns over its secrecy and potential impact. Adani Enterprises had submitted a proposal in March 2024 to manage and expand JKIA, promising a Sh238 billion investment to upgrade the airport. The 30-year privatisation deal has sparked public backlash, with critics questioning its transparency and long-term consequences.
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