NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 24—President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s Sh95 billion partnership with Adani Energy Solutions for the development and maintenance of key electricity transmission lines and substations over the next 30 years.
In the face of ongoing criticism of the deal, Ruto argued that this collaboration is preferable to incurring additional loans or raising taxes.
Adani, an Indian multinational conglomerate, has raised concerns among Kenyans, who have questioned the company’s previous dealings in other countries.
“To unlock the country’s resources, we need the private sector to invest, which ultimately results in a win-win outcome when the public and private sectors work together,” Ruto stated on Thursday in Nakuru during the launch of Kenya’s third geothermal power plant in Menengai.
The multi-billion-shilling deal was signed on October 12, 2024, following four months of negotiations, according to Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Under the agreement, Adani will construct and manage key transmission lines, including a 400kV Gilgil-Thika-Malaa-Konza line spanning 208.73 km and a 220kV Rongai-Keringet-Chemosit line covering approximately 100 km. The project will also include the construction of new substations at various locations.
Ruto emphasized that public-private partnerships are essential for achieving significant developmental milestones in Kenya, citing the success of the Nairobi Expressway as a prime example. He expressed concern that “investors believe in Kenya more than we do as Kenyans.”