The controversy around the possible partnership between the Kenyan government and Adani Airports Group Holdings has informed debate in the recent past.
The Indian conglomerate could take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which it would expand and undertake a makeover and run for at least 30 years.
A considerable chunk of Kenyans have been opposed to the potential deal from the onset, citing many grey areas in the contract's terms.
But weighing in on the issue, economist David Ndii implies that it is not cast in stone that the Indian company would take over JKIA.
According to him, what is on at the moment is the government engaging the company to determine its suitability for investing in the country's largest airport.
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Ndii said Adani had just submitted a proposal, and it is for the Kenyan agencies to review and decide whether or not they will entrust it with JKIA.
Should the government seers be convinced that Adani is the best fit, then the proposal will be deliberated on in the Cabinet for approval or otherwise.
"Adani proposal is not a contract. Proposals go through evaluation, followed by negotiations, due diligence, stakeholder engagement, legal opinions and cabinet approval before there is a contract," said Ndii.
Adani would inject upward of Sh 230 billion to revitalise the airport should its proposal be approved.
However, Kenyans are paranoid over some of their terms, which includes them retaining a considerable stake in JKIA's operations for an indefinite period.
A host of civil societies moved to court to challenge the possible takeover; a conservatory order is already in place barring the deal.
