The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) decision to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Adani Group for 30 years has been subject to a judicial review challenge, which can be filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) with approval from the High Court.
A conservatory injunction was granted by the Milimani court, presided over by Justice J. Chigiti, on Monday, stopping any further work on the planned lease until the matter is settled in full.
Many concerned parties, including the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, which has vehemently opposed the Adani proposal, are relieved that the stay order has been issued.
The court admitted the plea for a hearing even during recess, recognizing the case—registered under the case number HCJR/E199/2024—as urgent.
The decision to lease Kenya’s busiest airport to a foreign firm was allegedly taken without sufficient consultation or transparency, according to the LSK and KHRC’s comments. KAA and other respondents are required to address this issue in their responses, which are due in a few days.
Whether the lease arrangement may be extended or terminated completely, which has sparked worries about job security and national sovereignty, will be determined during the substantive hearing.
The matter will be heard again on October 8, 2024.
