Raila Odinga defends president William Ruto’s ADANI Deals

Former Prime Minister and current AU Chair aspirant Raila Odinga has defended president William Ruto’s public-private partnerships during a press briefing on Sunday 13th October 2024, describing them as essential for tackling Kenya’s pressing economic challenges and ensuring successful infrastructure projects.

This comes amid growing skepticism among Kenyans regarding the involvement of Indian conglomerate Adani Group in key projects, particularly following protests against their proposed management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and aims to oversee all major airports in Kenya under a proposed public-private partnership.

The current deal involves a 30-year lease for JKIA, where Adani plans to invest approximately $1.85 billion for upgrades and renovations.

Adani Group has also secured a deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) to build and operate electricity transmission lines worth approximately Ksh 95.68 billion (around $736 million) for 30 years.

In his address, Odinga also called for the full execution of the Nadco report and the restructuring of IEBC.

He was flanked by several politicians, including Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Governor Gideon Mung’aro of Kilifi, among others.