President Ruto received by N.A. Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula at Parliament grounds.
By I.P. reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya (Nov. 21, 2024).
President William Ruto has terminated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) discussions with India-based Adani Group Holdings, citing corruption concerns.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address at Parliament on Thursday, Ruto directed Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi to cancel procurement processes involving Adani.
The move halts projects such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion and a Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) transmission line contract.
“In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” Ruto said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency.
The directive follows allegations of bribery involving Adani executives.
The U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted Adani Group CEO Gautam Adani and seven others in a $250 million bribery scheme to secure energy contracts in India.
Adani Group has denied the charges but canceled a U.S. bond sale shortly after the indictment became public.
Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in infrastructure, energy, and media, has faced criticism for its ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Opposition leaders in India and Kenya have accused the group of benefitting from favorable treatment and circumventing oversight.
In Kenya, the deals have drawn scrutiny for allegedly bypassing proper procurement procedures mandated by the Public-Private Partnership Act.
Investigations and parliamentary reviews suggest the contracts were fast-tracked without competitive bidding or adequate consultation, raising suspicions of collusion between Kenyan officials and Adani executives.
The political fallout has been significant. Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Azimio la Umoja coalition, accused senior officials of facilitating “state capture” and called for a full audit of the transactions.
Critics claim the scandal reflects systemic corruption in Kenya’s PPP framework, with similar issues reported in other sectors, including energy and telecommunications.
“The government has created an opaque environment that allows for kickbacks and conflicts of interest,” said a senior opposition leader during a parliamentary debate.
Ruto’s decision to cancel the Adani deals has been praised by transparency advocates but also met with skepticism.
While the move signals a tough stance on corruption, critics argue that deeper reforms are necessary to prevent future irregularities.
For many, the case underscores the urgent need for stronger procurement oversight, adherence to international transparency standards, and greater public involvement in major government projects.
Ends.
