Kenya has awarded a $1.3 billion public-private partnership (PPP) concession to India’s Adani Group and Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform of the African Development Bank.
David Ndii, economic adviser to President William Ruto, confirmed this via X.
“The government through KETRACO has awarded PPP concessions to Adani and Africa50 to build new transmission lines,” Ndii stated. “They are hiring their project teams. The cost of these transmission lines is $1.3 billion, which we do not have to borrow.”
This project is part of Kenya’s broader plan to expand its power infrastructure without increasing public debt.
Kenya has been looking to improve its electricity distribution network, and this partnership aligns with the country’s development goals.
However, controversy surrounds another deal involving the Adani Group.
The Kenyan government’s plan to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the group for 30 years has caused uproar among Kenyans.
In return, Adani would invest $1.85 billion in airport expansion.
The proposed airport deal has sparked outrage and led to a strike by Kenya’s aviation workers.
Critics argue that such a significant national asset should not be controlled by a foreign entity. Public sentiment has been particularly high, with calls for transparency in such deals.
Adani’s operations in India, where they manage seven airports, have also faced criticism.
Opposition parties in India often accuse Adani of benefiting from undue favors granted by ruling governments. Both Indian officials and the Adani Group have consistently denied these allegations.
Kenya’s dual projects with Adani Group—power transmission and airport leasing—continue to be points of contention, balancing the need for infrastructure investment with public concerns.
