In a bold move against corruption, President William Ruto has announced the cancellation of two major infrastructure deals involving Indian conglomerate Adani.
The agreements, which encompassed the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the KETRACO energy transmission project, have been scrapped following revelations of potential integrity issues.
Speaking during a State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21, 2024, Ruto highlighted the significance of combating corruption, calling it a key priority for his administration.
“Of the many difficult assignments I have undertaken, this fight against corruption is one I now take on with resolve going forward. Let this serve as notice to all,” he said.
Transparency and accountability
The president emphasized that his decision was guided by credible information from investigative agencies and international partners, aligning with Kenya’s constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
“I have stated in the past, and I now repeat today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he declared.
Ruto directed the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to act immediately, cancelling both the ongoing JKIA procurement process and the KETRACO transmission public-private partnership (PPP) deal.
“Accordingly, I now direct in furtherance of the principles enshrined in article 10 of the constitution on transparency and accountability and based on new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations that the procuring agencies within the ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s speech was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers as he announced the decision to cancel Adani Group’s controversial deals.
The president reiterated his stance, citing corruption concerns as the basis for terminating the agreements involving JKIA and KETRACO.
“I have said that because of the information provided to us by partner nations, I have directed agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership transaction as well as the recently concluded KETRACO transmission public-private partnership transaction,” Ruto declared.
The now-cancelled JKIA deal aimed to expand Kenya’s flagship airport, while the KETRACO project was set to develop critical energy infrastructure, including constructing and operating transmission lines and substations.
Despite the terminations, the president reassured Kenyans of the projects’ significance and directed the two ministries to onboard new partners.
“I have ordered the two ministries to immediately commence the process of onboarding alternative partners because these are important,” Ruto emphasized.
