Raila Odinga, leader of Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has expressed deep disappointment over the cancellation of the Sh637 billion Adani deal to expand and renovate Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Odinga criticized the political interference that led to the deal's collapse, arguing that Kenya missed a strategic opportunity to position Nairobi as a key regional aviation hub and potentially become the "Dubai of Africa." He emphasized that despite potential short-term losses for Kenya Airways, attracting foreign investment through the Adani partnership would have been beneficial for the country’s aviation sector and regional competitiveness. Odinga has called on President William Ruto to seek alternative solutions to upgrade JKIA, noting that the contract was terminated by the president in November 2024. The former prime minister reiterated these points during a cabinet retreat in Karen, underscoring the setback the cancellation represents for Kenya’s aviation industry growth and infrastructure development.