Adani Group is significant in the government’s Sh104.8 billion Universal Health Coverage (UHC) project. The government awarded the contract to the Safaricom-led consortium, which includes Apeiro Limited as the largest shareholder with 59.55%. Safaricom owns 22.56%, while Konvergenz Network Solutions holds 17.89%. The consortium will recover its investment through monthly payments beginning in February 2025, based on achieving specific milestones.
Notably, Apeiro is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Sirius International Holding, which operates a joint venture with Adani through Sirius Digitech Limited. In July, this partnership acquired Coredge.io, an AI and cloud platform company. Adani Group’s involvement in Kenya has garnered attention, especially with its bid to manage Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years and its growing influence in the energy sector.
Furthermore, the Safaricom consortium secured the UHC contract through a Specially Permitted Procurement Procedure. However, Adani’s involvement has sparked concerns, particularly regarding its controversial $2 billion (Sh258 billion) bid for JKIA. The company defended the deal, claiming it would create jobs and improve infrastructure. Represented by Dentons, Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, where President Ruto’s son Nick Ruto works, Adani has strong local ties. Additionally, Adil Khawaja, chairman of Safaricom, serves as a senior partner at the law firm.
Adani’s increasing presence in Kenya began during President Ruto’s administration. In 2022, a study by Spanish firm ALG Global highlighted infrastructure gaps at JKIA. This study set the stage for public-private partnerships (PPPs), facilitating Adani’s growing footprint in the country.
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