Indian Firm, Adani Group has denied reports it paid USD50,000 (approximately Ksh6.5 million) to speed up the approval process for its proposed takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

In a statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Adani Group dismissed a report by a local publication claiming that the Indian Firm demanded approval of the takeover within 17 days.

"We have come across a report published by The Standard (Kenya) claiming that the Adani Group made a statement regarding the Kenya Airports Authority and the approval process of a proposal," the company spokesperson stated.

"We would like to clarify that this report is entirely false. The Adani Group has neither issued any such statement nor engaged with the media on this matter".

The Indian firm called upon the media to verify information before it is relayed to the general public.

Following reports of the proposed takeover, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the  Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on September 9, 2024, moved to court, obtaining conservatory orders halting the deal pending the conclusion of the case.

In a replying affidavit, Adani Group allegedly revealed that upon submission of the PIP, Adani Airport Holdings Limited duly paid a review fee of USD 50,000 (Ksh6.5 million) to the Public Private Partnership Facilitation Fund as required by the law.

“The 5th respondent (Adani Airports Holdings Limited) also provided all the necessary pre-approval documents including incorporation and corporate documents, tax compliance documents and financial documents to aid the PPP (Public Private Partnership) Directorate, in coordination with KAA, to carry out their due diligence on the proponent.”

The firm revealed that it received confirmation of approval from KAA on March 18, for the proposal to proceed to the development stage.

Adani Group further revealed that it had conducted a feasibility study and submitted its findings to the Kenyan government, detailing the social, environmental and economic impact of the project.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir appeared before the Senate Committee on Roads and Transport last week and clarified that the Adani Group proposal was only limited to JKIA, noting that the government was in the process of conducting public participation regarding the deal.