Kenya’s state-owned KAA has formally confirmed the termination of $2 billion Adani-JKIA airport renovation deal. However, the approval comes at a time when it is purported that the government seeks to table a fresh deal. The Standard Media has reported that the government is contemplating over offering a new deal to Adani for airport renovation. Nonetheless, the Kenya Airports Authority has confirmed that it has officially terminated the previous contract.

The deal involved the proposed upgrade and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s largest. The High Court of Kenya has scheduled a petition regarding the matter to be mentioned on May 6, 2026 for further directions. Conversely, the decision has sparked discussions about the future of airport infrastructure development in Kenya. It also raises questions on the role of foreign investors in major Kenyan projects and the implications for air travel and logistics in Nairobi.

Scope on the Adani-JKIA Renovation Deal

The Adani-JKIA renovation deal is one that came under heavy fire as Kenyans viewed the scope of the project preposterous. Other than the uproar of Kenyans, President Ruto cancelled the deal after the indictment of India’s billionaire Adani in the U.S. “I have directed agencies within the Ministry of Transport and within the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement,” Ruto said.

Moreover, he attributed the decision to “new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations”. There were also flaws on the scope of agreement as many complained that the government giving up its own airport under a PPP is faulty. Rumors on a fresh deal has already started raising questions on the capabilities of constitutionally established institutions. However, in the earlier judgement, the judge declined to allow the government to go further in new deal. Petitioner, Tony Gachoka, has been given till April 26 to offer a formal reply as to why the deals cannot go on.

Project Factsheet

• Project Name: JKIA Airport Renovation and Modernization Project
• Project Type: Proposed airport upgrade and modernization under PPP framework
• Location: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, Kenya
• Estimated Investment Value: $2 billion

Project Partners and Developers

• Kenya Airports Authority — Project owner / PPP grantor
• Adani Airport Holdings Ltd — Proposed private developer / concessionaire
• Adani Enterprises Ltd — Sponsor / parent company

Overview

• Proposed large-scale renovation and expansion of Kenya’s primary international gateway
• Intended to modernize passenger terminals, airside infrastructure, and operational systems
• Aimed at improving capacity, efficiency, and global competitiveness of JKIA

Project Status

• Formally terminated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
• Termination confirmed amid discussions of a possible restructured or fresh deal
• High Court of Kenya scheduled petition mention on May 6, 2026 for further directions

Key Scope Elements (Proposed)

• Upgrade and expansion of terminal facilities
• Modernization of airport infrastructure and support systems