Raila Odinga Defends Adani Partnership

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Odinga’s remarks come amid public debate over the handling of public-private partnership (PPP) deals in key sectors like transport and energy.

An image of Adani Group .Photo/India Telegraph.

By Robert Mutasi

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga voiced strong support for the Adani Group, describing the Indian conglomerate as a credible and capable partner for large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya.

Odinga’s remarks come amid public debate over the handling of public-private partnership (PPP) deals in key sectors like transport and energy.

“Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa,” Odinga stated, emphasizing the company’s track record of delivering transformative projects.

Speaking in Mombasa on Sunday, October 13, 2024,He recalled his first introduction to the Adani Group during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, introduced him to the group.

Odinga praised Adani’s ability to convert challenging environments into industrial powerhouses, citing their transformation of a swamp in India into a thriving hub that includes a port, a power plant, and other industrial facilities.

Odinga’s comments are particularly significant as Kenya is navigating complex questions around PPPs in critical infrastructure projects.

Recently, there has been growing concern over how certain deals, including those involving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the energy sector, have been managed.

Critics argue that transparency and accountability in the PPP process need improvement.

Addressing these concerns, Odinga acknowledged the misgivings but stressed the importance of maintaining Kenya’s appeal as a destination for international investment.

“There have been misgivings about how the PPP processes for JKIA and the energy sector have been handled, but we must ensure that Kenya remains an attractive destination for such investments,” he said.

Odinga also called for a robust framework to protect the interests of both investors and the country. He warned that without ensuring the integrity of the PPP process, Kenya risks deterring future investments.

“The country needs to protect the framework of PPPs and investors that show interest in putting money into our public services and utilities. Otherwise, no investor will set foot here,” he cautioned.

Odinga’s defense of the Adani Group and his broader call for a stable investment climate reflect the balancing act Kenya faces: attracting foreign investment while safeguarding public interests.

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