President William Ruto has instructed Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to terminate ongoing public-private partnership (PPP) discussions with the Adani Group Holdings.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address in Parliament on Thursday, November 21, President Ruto cited undisputed evidence and credible information on corruption as the basis for his decision.
“I have stated in the past, and I reiterate today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” said the President.
He further directed the immediate cancellation of the JKIA Expansion PPP transaction and the recently concluded KETRACO transmission line PPP contract, urging the ministries to onboard alternative partners. “This action is in furtherance of the principles enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution on transparency and accountability, based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations,” he explained.
The directive follows revelations implicating the Indian conglomerate in a corruption-related case currently being heard in the United States Federal Court.
The cancellation marks a significant stance by the Kenyan government in ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources from questionable dealings. However, the move may have broader implications for Kenya’s infrastructure development partnerships, as stakeholders await further clarity on the selection of new partners.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to upholding transparency and addressing corruption in high-stakes procurement processes. The ministries involved are expected to act promptly to comply with the President’s directive.