The whistleblower who leaked disturbing information about India’s Adani Group’s proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has revealed an alarming new information.
Nelson Amenya, who leaked information about the contentious contract, claims that Adani is attempting to transfer JKIA’s title deed to its name for the duration of the 30-year agreement.
Amenya’s revelations, however, have come at a personal cost, with him now facing a slew of threats and harassment.
Amenya explained in an interview with KTN News that he has been living in constant fear for his own and his company’s safety since disclosing the information.
“I have been warned by international journalists that Adani would use various means to silence me,” he narrated.
He also claimed that he has been targeted by online attacks and threats, particularly from Indian bloggers.
JKIA is a significant national asset with strategic ramifications throughout East Africa.
Kenyans have expressed concerns about the Adani Group’s dealings, and the latest developments coincide with a call for more information and transparency about the takeover.
The contract, which would see Adani invest Ksh260 billion in expanding JKIA, has been widely criticised for its potentially disastrous consequences for Kenyan taxpayers.
According to Amenya, the agreement includes provisions requiring the government to compensate Adani if protests, parliamentary actions, or other disruptions derail the project.
These compensations may include covering lost returns, investment costs, and even termination fees under the pretext of “Material Adverse Government Actions.”
Amenya’s fears were heightened last week when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sent him a letter informing him that his company was being investigated for alleged cryptocurrency fraud, which he strongly denies.
“This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate me. My company has never been involved in cryptocurrency,” he stated.
He also revealed that Adani’s demands went well beyond financial control.
“They want sole control over JKIA for 30 years and even beyond. They plan to own 18 per cent of the airport indefinitely after the lease expires,” he revealed.
The company is also reportedly requesting the ability to adjust airport fees, negotiate worker contracts, and even prevent the development of new airports in Kenya, effectively monopolizing the country’s aviation sector.
The whistleblower also revealed Adani’s plan to use JKIA’s title deed as collateral for loans, which could jeopardize Kenya’s largest airport and expose it to financial risks.
Adani has also requested tax breaks and control over airport hiring and firing, indicating that they intend to exert significant influence over Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.
“This deal is designed to benefit Adani at Kenya’s expense,” Amenya warned.
He criticised the lack of transparency, noting that the revenue generated by the project would be funneled through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) based in Abu Dhabi, raising red flags about the financial structure.
“Why should the money go to Abu Dhabi before it reaches India? This setup only adds to the suspicion,” he argued.
The contract would effectively give foreign control over Kenya’s airports, undermining Vision 2030, which aims to develop the country’s infrastructure to drive economic growth.
With Adani holding exclusive rights to JKIA, Kenya would have little say over its future, particularly in terms of competition from other airports.
The government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, confirmed that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) received a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) from Adani Airport Holdings in March 2024.
“The proposal is undergoing due process, including consultations with stakeholders and government approval. No terms have been agreed upon,” Mwaura asserted in a statement.
He quickly assured the public that “JKIA is a Strategic National Asset and not for sale.”
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