Apart from the takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Thursday revealed that Indian conglomerate Adani Group has submitted proposals to undertake various other projects within the country.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Chirchir gave more insight into the deal the government has signed with Adani that will see the Indian conglomerate take over a few power lines controlled by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)
The deal according to CS Chirchir is anchored on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. With thus, the government is targeting to raise Ksh50 billion in the next financial year.
Chirchir specifically revealed that talks are underway for Adani to take over the Gilgil-Thika-Malaa line.
Suswa Substation, a hub for power into the national grid.
Photo
KETRACO
“There are over 150 proposals on PPP by different companies especially in the Energy sector. Adani has proposed to take over the line lying between Gilgil, Thika, Malaa”, the CS said.
The CS was forced to clarify if Adani had an ongoing deal with KETRACO after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka exposed the possibility of the deal after the CS appeared before MPs during a grilling session on Thursday.
According to the CS, the Kenya Kwanza Government is looking to leverage the potential of PPP even further that could see more foreign companies land lucrative deals to run or operate critical projects.
“I am aware of plans under the framework of employing more PPP projects to open access to the unreached parts of the country.” the CS said.
Chirchir said the PPP model is not new and has been applied in the country for over 25 years.
Kenya has in recent years turned to PPP to finance costly projects without adding to the country’s debt, a shift from the yesteryears when commercial loans funded key projects.
According to the National Treasury, the PPP Directorate has a pipeline total of 31 projects at various stages of the PPP project cycle, with most of them being at the procurement stage.
Adani has come under heavy criticism in Kenya in recent times due to its proposal to take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for a period of 30 years, during which it will exclusively develop and operate it.
Passengers stranded at JKIA after all planes were grounded due to workers’ strike.
Photo
Edwin Dande
