​Price Of Opposition: Kenya Awards Airport Contract To Chinese Firm At 50% Premium Over Adani

China has secured a $2.9 billion contract to upgrade Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), nearly two years after the government cancelled Adani Group's proposal.

The Chinese contract-awarded to China Communications Construction Co.-is significantly higher, at ~50% above Adani's ~$2 billion proposal, and covers the expansion and modernization of the airport.

Kenya had initially engaged with Adani for a few months on the project. However, the deal was cancelled in November 2024 following mounting pressure on President William Ruto, amid global allegations raised by the US Department of Justice against the group (which Adani denied).

The project became politically and publicly charged in Kenya. A sustained social media campaign and public debate, led prominently by whistleblower Nelson Amenya, a Kenyan influencer based in France, amplified scrutiny around the deal.

At the same time, concerns around information flows and narrative shaping were visible globally. France recently uncovered 13 counterfeit Chinese news websites allegedly used to push pro-China content using AI tools.

During this period, Adani Group also flagged the circulation of a fake press release in Kenya falsely alleging bribery, which it publicly denied.

• https://www.adani.com/newsroom/media-releases/media-statement-on-fake-press-release

The issue also spilled into Indian politics. Opposition leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, repeatedly questioned the deal through statements and social media:

Anti-Adani protests in Kenya could turn into anti-India protests: Jairam Ramesh

Congress questions government after Kenya cancels deals with Adani Group

Recently, in June, the US Department of Justice closed the matter citing lack of conclusive evidence, bringing the episode to a close from a legal standpoint.

Kenya is scrambling to upgrade its biggest airport for decades now.