Whistleblower in JKIA-Adani deal named one of the most influential Africans

Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower behind the controversial JKIA-Adani deal that was later cancelled after persistent public outcry has been recognised as one of the most influential Africans by the New African Magazine.

The London-based New African Magazine recognised Amenya in the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 index published on Friday.

In July, Amenya leaked details on social media of an arrangement between Kenya and the Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate. This ignited an outrage that spread across the country.

The proposed deal involved leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group for 30 years under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at modernising and managing the facility.

However, Amenya found the deal unfair. He warned that Kenya would contribute the largest share of investment but stand to gain disproportionately little in financial returns.

He added that Kenya would stand to compensate Adani if the company failed to recoup its investments.

Amenya further added that some government officials were planning to bypass legal requirements which include public participation.

Adani Group dismissed Amenya's claims as baseless, although the Kenyan government later cancelled the deal after the owner Gautam Adani was indicted in the US on bribery allegations.

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• JKIA-Adani deal
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• Indian billionaire Gautam Adani
• Adani public-private partnership
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• Whistleblower in JKIA-Adani deal named one of the most influential Africans
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