Nairobi County Women Representative Esther Passaris has issued an explanation on her comments regarding Adani Groups Holdings’ proosed taking over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Passaris came under fire after she defended the proposed deal between the government and Adani after her flight was disrupted on Wednesday, September 11, at the JKIA.
Passaris said Kenyans need to understand what the Adani Group is going to provide and do at the airport.
“That is why we had the Government Spokesman come in to break down everything, so the people understand everything. How much money are they going to put into refurbishing the airport, what are they going to do for the terminals, are we going to have an airport as good as the one we have in Dubai,” she said.
Passaris explained that she has been at Ahmedabad Airport in India several times and has witnessed the transformation done by Adani Group.
According to the MP, Ahmedabad was a mediocre airport the first time she visited it four years ago but it has since been transformed into a five-star airport.
She highlighted that the biggest problem facing Kenya, and the world is the intense competition for tenders and partnerships on contracts.
Also Read: Chirchir Faces Hostile Crowd While Explaining JKIA-Adani Deal
Passaris Offers Clarification
Passaris has now clarified that she has never met Adani Group Holdings founder and Chairman, Guatam Adani, in person after earlier concerns over possible conflict of interest.
In a statement on September 12, she stated that her justification was based on the work Adani Group has done at Ahmedabad airport.
“One cannot change what is factual. I have never met Adani. I have only seen how he transformed Ahmedabad airport and stayed in his golf resort,” Passaris said.
Also Read: Nelson Amenya: Meet Kenyan Whistleblower Behind JKIA-Adani Deal
Guatam Adani
Passaris defended Guatam Adani stating that he has risen from rags to riches since he is hardworking, visionary and inspiring.
She added that she doesn’t have the details about the deal but was grateful about Adani Group’s plan to invest in the country.
“Many look for the worst in people. I look for the good. I do not know the dynamics and contents of the partnership. If it will or will not happen. I am grateful that he is interested in investing in my county Nairobi and in Kenya,” she said.
Further, Passaris said Kenya needs to attract investor confidence to grow its infrastructure and economy.
She explained that debt dependence is killing the country’s sustenance and denying the citizens essential services.
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