Govt Seeks Public Input on JKIA Expansion
The government has called on Kenyans to submit alternative proposals for the development of the country’s primary airport and power infrastructure, just one week after President William Ruto canceled expansion contracts.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, during his regular press briefing on Friday, November 29, urged citizens to present suggestions on how to improve both the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and electricity transmission systems in Kenya.
This appeal followed President Ruto’s decision to annul a deal for a new power transmission and halt negotiations for the expansion of JKIA by the Adani Group.
“We encourage Kenyans to bring forward alternative solutions for energy and airport development, as we must continue to make progress,” Mwaura emphasized.
Meanwhile, Mwaura reaffirmed the cancellation of the controversial JKIA-KETRACO agreements and worked to calm any lingering concerns regarding the government’s actions.
He assured the public that there should be no doubts about the cancellation of the deals, which had sparked division across the nation and led many to demand their termination.
“We want Kenyans to understand that the Adani contracts have indeed been canceled. Treasury CS John Mbadi confirmed this in Parliament,” Mwaura clarified.
Additionally, he dispelled rumors connecting Adani to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA). “Malicious groups are attempting to link Adani to everything. Adani is not involved in SHA; these stories are completely unfounded,” he asserted.
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Ruto announced the termination of the two contracts, worth Ksh338 billion, during his State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 21.
The decision to cancel followed the indictment of Gautam Adani, the founder and CEO of Adani Group, and seven other executives by the U.S. Department of Justice on November 20 for allegedly bribing Indian government officials.
CNN reported that Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa Miller stated the bribes aimed to influence officials to deceive investors and banks, thereby raising billions of dollars and obstructing justice.
“This indictment details a scheme to pay over $250 million (about Ksh32 billion) in bribes to Indian government officials. These actions were allegedly carried out by senior executives to secure and finance major state energy contracts through corruption and fraud, all to the detriment of U.S. investors,” Miller said.
Simultaneously, Mwaura emphasized the government’s commitment to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the same model behind the now-canceled Adani deals. He disclosed plans to use PPPs to enhance the water sector’s development.
“PPPs are an essential part of our strategy. That’s why we are pushing to implement them in the water sector, ensuring we don’t delay our national progress,” he concluded.
Govt Seeks Public Input on JKIA Expansion
