In a significant legal victory for critics, Kenya’s High Court has temporarily blocked Indian conglomerate Adani Group’s proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The controversial deal, valued at $1.85 billion, would have given Adani a 30-year lease to operate the country’s main airport.
Opponents of the deal argued that it could lead to job losses, reduce government revenue, and undermine transparency in public procurement.
The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission filed a legal challenge, citing concerns over the deal’s compliance with good governance principles.
The court’s decision has been hailed as a triumph for the Kenyan public, who have expressed widespread opposition to the deal.
While the government supports the takeover, citing the need for urgent airport upgrades, the court’s ruling casts significant doubt on its future.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of JKIA remains uncertain.
The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s aviation industry and its economic development.