(Photo Courtesy)
NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua has strongly criticized the government’s handling of deals with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group, particularly its involvement in key infrastructure projects.
In a post shared on X, Karua condemned the agreements, claiming they lacked transparency, competitive bidding, and adequate public involvement.
“The Adani deals—JKIA, Ketraco, and any other deal—are totally indefensible, for not being transparently and competitively arrived at as well as for lacking meaningful public participation,” Karua posted.
(Photo Courtesy)
Her remarks target the Adani Group’s growing presence in Kenya’s infrastructure sector, including deals involving the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco).
The contracts, which have sparked public debate, are part of Kenya’s broader strategy to partner with private firms to boost development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Karua’s criticism underscores concerns raised by various leaders and civil society groups over the transparency of government procurement processes.
Many have questioned the lack of open bidding and the involvement of the public in discussions about the projects, arguing that such practices undermine good governance and accountability.
In response to Karua’s statements, proponents of the deals, including the government, argue that PPPs are essential for attracting much-needed investment to improve the country’s infrastructure.
They assert that Adani Group, with its vast experience in large-scale projects, is a credible partner that can help Kenya achieve its development goals.
However, Karua’s post has amplified calls for greater scrutiny of these partnerships, with critics urging the government to adopt more transparent and inclusive procedures.
The absence of public participation, as highlighted by Karua, remains a key point of contention, especially given the long-term impact these deals may have on the country’s economy and public services.
https://x.com/MarthaKarua/status/1845895392208007378?t=Pn0O8aUG3pm-s2ZbBf2EHQ&s=19
