Kenya Terminates Airport and Energy Deal with the Adani Group Due to Indictment by the US.
Kenya has recently taken significant action regarding its agreements with the Adani Group, following serious legal issues faced by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Here are the key points regarding this situation:
1. Cancellation of Deals: President William Ruto announced the cancellation of multimillion-dollar deals related to airport expansion and energy projects with the Adani Group. This decision comes in the wake of U.S. indictments against Adani for bribery and fraud.
2. Reason for Cancellation: In his state of the nation address, President Ruto indicated that the cancellation was based on "new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations," although he did not specifically mention the United States.
3. Details of the Agreements: The Adani Group was in the process of finalizing a deal to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. This project included plans for an additional runway and terminal, with the Adani Group set to manage the airport for 30 years.
4. Public Response: The proposed agreements had faced significant backlash, leading to protests against Adani in Kenya. Airport workers also staged strikes, expressing concerns that the deals would result in poorer working conditions and potential job losses.
This development highlights the intersection of international business dealings and local governance, particularly in light of legal challenges faced by prominent business figures. The situation remains dynamic as Kenya reassesses its partnerships in light of these recent events.