Members of the Senate Roads and Transport Committee, including Samburu Senator Dr. Steven Lilegwe, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargey, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, participated in questioning Roads CS Davis Chirchir during a session on Friday, September 13, 2024. Photo: Safi New Media
In Summary:
- The Senate Roads and Transport Committee has directed Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to cancel the Adani Group’s proposal to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
- Senators criticized the rushed feasibility and environmental assessments and raised concerns over potential corruption, questioning the necessity of involving the Adani Group over other options.
The Senate Roads and Transport Committee has unanimously called for the cancellation of the Adani Group’s tender to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Senators have voiced strong opposition to the deal, arguing that the proposed project is flawed and lacks transparency.
Senator Richard Onyonka from Kisii highlighted discrepancies in the feasibility and environmental impact assessments, which were completed in just 30 days.
He revealed that meetings related to the deal were conducted in Dubai by an agent connected to the Nairobi West Hospital, raising suspicions of financial misconduct involving former Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Adani Group representatives.
Onyonka criticized the justification for involving Adani Group, pointing out that the required investment of Kshs 136 billion could potentially be raised through public fundraising, and questioned why Kenya would risk over Kshs 1.2 trillion in JKIA’s value for this deal.
Senator Samson Cherargey from Nandi criticized the influence of former Roads CS Murkomen and accused the Adani Group of corruption and fraudulent practices.
He urged current CS Chirchir to cancel the deal to avoid further allegations of manipulation and illegality.
Despite Chirchir’s defense of the plan to attract foreign investment to upgrade JKIA, Senators remained unconvinced. They urged him to reconsider the proposal, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna advising Chirchir to avoid potential blame and scrutiny.
Senator Ledama Ole Kina questioned why only Adani Group was considered, given its alleged fraudulent history, and why other reputable international firms were not considered.
Chirchir acknowledged financial constraints as a major barrier to modernizing JKIA but assured that no final agreements had been signed and that negotiations were ongoing.
He revealed that a Kenyan team was exploring the Adani Group’s track record in upgrading airports in India and Europe, but admitted that the government had not fully disclosed details about the proposed project.
The Senate’s decision reflects widespread concern over the process and integrity of the proposed deal, with many Kenyans rejecting the plan.