Kenyan Energy Minister: No Corruption in Adani Deal

Kenya's Energy Minister, Opiyo Wandayi, has reassured the public that the Adani energy deal is above board, despite concerns over lack of transparency. In a recent statement, the Minister emphasized that the project underwent due diligence and that no case of corruption or bribery was found. However, the High Court has since blocked the deal, citing opacity and lack of public participation. This article explores the minister's claims, the court's intervention, and the implications for future energy deals in Kenya.

The Adani energy deal, valued at KSh 95.68 billion, involves the construction of electricity transmission lines and substations by Adani Energy Solutions. The project is part of Kenya's efforts to stabilize its power grid and reduce blackouts. However, the deal has been marred by controversy, with critics questioning the lack of transparency and public participation.

In response to these concerns, Minister Wandayi has maintained that the project is in the best interest of the country. He stated, "The question is, would this emerging report on the indictment of Adani over corruption affect the delivery of this project? We can't tell because it is not related to it. Therefore, we will be engaging in speculation." The Minister also emphasized that the Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) from Adani did not involve any corruption or bribery.



However, the High Court has taken a different stance. In a recent ruling, the court blocked the government from signing the deal, citing opacity and lack of public participation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) obtained the order, accusing the government of signing the deal in an opaque manner and deliberately concealing crucial information. The court noted that the agreement was "a constitutional sham" and was "tainted with secrecy."

The court's intervention raises questions about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in energy deals. The Adani deal is not an isolated case; Kenya has resorted to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to deliver power projects due to lack of funds to expand its transmission network. However, the lack of transparency and public participation in these deals has led to public outcry and legal challenges.



To address these concerns, the government must prioritize transparency and accountability in future energy deals. This includes publishing project details, conducting independent audits, and engaging the public and relevant stakeholders in the process. Additionally, the government should establish a dedicated anti-corruption unit to monitor and investigate any suspected corruption activities in PPP projects.

In conclusion, the Kenyan government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the Adani energy deal has been called into question. While the Energy Minister has reassured the public that the deal is above board, the High Court's intervention highlights the need for greater transparency and public participation in energy projects. To regain public trust and ensure the success of future energy deals, the government must prioritize transparency, accountability, and public engagement.