Senators Furious as CS Chirchir Declines to Provide JKIA-Adani Deal Documents
The debate over leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to India’s Adani Group has intensified after Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir failed to produce crucial documents to a Senate Committee.
A senator also alleged that the Adani Group had entered contracts with the Kenyan government, positioning the company to supply electricity through Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), take over the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), and manage the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Chirchir explained that he couldn’t share the requested documents as the issue is currently under litigation, with two court orders restricting the ministry.
The CS urged the committee to decide whether to proceed with hearings despite the court’s involvement, asking if doing so would breach the sub judice rule.
“I’ve been advised by a technical team to seek your guidance on whether to proceed with this matter given the court orders we’ve received,” Chirchir stated.
Although Chirchir acknowledged Adani’s bid to develop and manage JKIA under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act, he pledged to submit documentation once the committee provided its ruling.
However, his stance frustrated the Senate’s Roads and Transport Committee, accusing him of evading transparency in a matter of high public interest.
“How can you appear before us today without any documents? Is there truly a court order stopping you from submitting them to the Senate?” questioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
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The committee expressed disappointment over the ministry’s failure to provide the documents since the issue was first addressed on July 25, 2024.
“I still don’t have the documents two months later. What’s the delay? Do we need to fly them in by helicopter?” Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute criticized.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who initially raised the issue, added complexity by asserting that more Kenyan cooperatives could be handed over to Adani as part of the deal.
He urged Chirchir to reveal details beyond the airport agreement, touching on other potential ventures.
“Adani has contracts to supply electricity via KETRACO, plans to acquire KenGen, and aims to control SHIF,” Onyonka alleged.
Chirchir defended the ministry, asserting they weren’t withholding information and were eager to dispel any “misinformation” surrounding the deal.
“It’s crucial for us to update Parliament and Kenyans on the facts. Transparency is key, given the volume of misinformation,” Chirchir remarked to the committee.
“We have extensive documentation and could provide it by Monday or Tuesday. A little more time would help with such a significant matter.”
Committee chair Senator Karungo Thangwa, however, ruled that the documents be presented by Friday, with Chirchir summoned to appear again.
Senators Furious as CS Chirchir Declines to Provide JKIA-Adani Deal Documents
