Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has confirmed that the Indian conglomerate Adani Group has submitted a proposal to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO). The proposal involves Adani potentially taking over several power lines, signaling the company’s expanding interest in Kenya’s energy infrastructure.
This revelation comes as Adani faces backlash in Kenya over its controversial bid to take over the management and operation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. The move has sparked public debate, with concerns over the potential monopolization of key national assets by a foreign entity.
The details of Adani’s interest in Kenya’s power sector were disclosed during a grilling session of CS Chirchir by a parliamentary committee. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka revealed that Adani is eyeing the operation of the Gilgil-Thika-Malaa electricity line under KETRACO’s management. While the proposal is still in its early stages, Chirchir confirmed that it is undergoing a rigorous 20-stage evaluation process before any final decisions are made.
The CS emphasized that Adani’s proposal is just one of many Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Kenya’s energy sector, noting that there are hundreds of similar proposals under consideration. “In the energy sector alone, there are over 150 proposals from different companies focused on generation and transmission,” Chirchir explained.
Senator Onyonka, however, raised further concerns about Adani’s growing influence in Kenya, claiming that the group may also be looking to take over operations at KenGen, Kenya’s largest power generator, and even become involved in the management of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Despite the ongoing evaluations, the involvement of Adani in such strategic sectors continues to stir debate, with questions over the long-term implications for Kenya’s economy and sovereignty. Whether the Adani-KETRACO deal materializes or not, it has shone a spotlight on the delicate balance between foreign investment and national interests.
