sNairobi, Kenya, November 21- Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, alongside other executives, faces fresh indictments in New York over an alleged multi-billion-dollar fraud scheme connected to a solar power project.
This development casts a shadow over Kenya’s recent dealings with the Adani Group, particularly regarding plans to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for expansion and modernization.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges Adani and seven other executives offered over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure solar energy contracts, generating $2 billion in projected profits. The charges have spurred financial and political upheaval in India, with opposition parties demanding investigations into Adani’s business practices. Shares in the Adani Group have also taken a significant hit, dropping by 10-20% in trading.
Implications for Kenya
The allegations come at a time when Kenya is poised to finalize a 30-year concession with the Adani Group to overhaul JKIA. President William Ruto has defended the deal as a critical step toward transforming Kenya into a premier global tourist destination, aiming to attract 5 million visitors by 2027. The project includes a butterfly-inspired terminal design integrating biophilic elements and sustainable technologies.
While the proposed airport revamp promises to enhance Kenya’s infrastructure and tourism prospects, the recent indictment raises questions about the ethical practices of the Adani Group. Critics argue that Kenya should exercise caution in proceeding with a partner facing serious fraud and corruption charges abroad.
Growing Public Concerns
In Kenya, the Adani Group’s involvement has already stirred controversy. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employees have protested over job security, despite assurances from Adani that current employment terms will remain unchanged. The U.S. fraud allegations now add another layer of uncertainty, with opposition leaders and civil society organizations calling for greater transparency in foreign investments.
Here are some of the public opinions gaining traction on social media:
@DonaldBKipkorir – From DAY ONE, we all warned our Government that Gautam Adani is a crook! US Government has issued warrants for his arrest for us$250m (Kshs. 32Billion) bribe! We have repeatedly demanded that ADANI contracts with JKIA, SHA, KETRACO & Mombasa Port be cancelled. The US trial will now reveal who was given bribes in Kenya. What will all those who were defending ADANI say now? How will Safaricom explain to UK & South Africa regulators how it entered into multi- billion contracts with a crook without due diligence? Of course Kenya regulators approved all the transactions without any due diligence. We hope that one day, Kenya Regulatory bodies will truly abide by the law established & not bend to political whims! Day of reckoning will one day catch up with our Regulators. Once again, US saves Kenya from crooks!
@MoraraKebasoSnr – The US has issued warrant of arrest for Adani in fraud charges. Thank you @amenya_nelson and @RichardOnyonka_ you have been vindicated. Integrity is priceless. To those who defended Adani for their greed shame on you.
@amenya_nelson – Any deal that the Kenyan government has entered with Adani wmust be CANCELLED NOW! We can live without their dirty money! #StopAdani
@RichardOnyonka_ – Mr. President, do not call for a ‘MULTI AGENCY’ government approach to defend Adani. TERMINATE & CANCEL all the agreements from KETRACO, JKIA, SHIF and any other, embrace TRANSPARENCY! This thing will eat us. #TheSystemIsBroken enough already to break it again further.
As the situation unfolds, the link between Adani’s global controversies and Kenya’s economic ambitions underscores the need for vigilance in international collaborations, particularly when they involve critical national assets like JKIA.
