President William Ruto has made a bold move by directing the immediate cancellation of the controversial KETRACO-Adani project, a deal previously defended by newly appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. This decision comes amid mounting scrutiny and global concerns regarding fraud charges faced by the Adani Group in the United States.
In his statement, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and safeguarding Kenya’s interests. The cancellation marks a significant policy shift, signaling a tough stance against deals that raise questions of integrity or public trust.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who had earlier vouched for the project, stated that comprehensive due diligence had been conducted by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
He assured the public that the government had been unaware of any adverse matters that might affect the agreement. He also dismissed claims of bribery and corruption linked to the Adani Group, asserting that such allegations had no bearing on Kenya’s project plans.
However, the president’s decision to terminate the deal has left many questioning the role of key stakeholders in advocating for the project despite international controversies surrounding the Adani Group.
Critics have accused proponents of the deal of ignoring the risks associated with partnering with a company embroiled in global legal and ethical challenges.
The cancellation has sparked mixed reactions, with some lauding President Ruto for prioritizing Kenya’s reputation and others questioning the due diligence process that initially approved the project.
The KETRACO-Adani project, which was aimed at advancing Kenya’s energy infrastructure, is now at a standstill as the government evaluates alternative partnerships to achieve its energy goals.
This development underscores the administration’s resolve to uphold transparency and ensure that Kenya’s development agenda remains uncompromised by controversial agreements.
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