President Ruto Persuades Kenyans to Embrace Adani-Gov’t Deal

President William Ruto has persuaded Kenyans to embrace controversial partnership between Adani Group and the government, saying the private partners have the potential to fund multi-billion projects in Kenya.

Speaking in Nakuru on Thursday 24, October 2024, the Head of State emphasized that partnering with Adani will relieve Kenyans from heavy tax-burden while also reducing overdependence on loans to finance mega-projects in the country.

READ ALSO: Raila Defends Adani Deal with The Government

While leading in the launching of the 35MW Orpower 22 Power Plant, at Menengai, President Ruto took pride in the decision to collaborate with Adani Group saying the private partner, “is investing in the transmission line with their own money Ksh 95 Billion.”

Hailing the partnership for its work that enabled Kenya to have the Nairobi Expressway, Ruto stated that the government would have lent heavy amount to finance development mega-projects, that would eventually put the repayment burden on Kenyans if the government would strictly fail to make a deal with the Adani Group.

According to Ruto, Adani’s investment means Kenya can now redirect her much needed resources to other pressing matters.

READ ALSO: “Get Us Another Investor to Facelift the Airport,” Silvanus Osoro Tells Kenyans Opposed to Adani Deal.

“It is important for us as a nation to appreciate that a partnership between the public and private sector gives us a win-win situation where we can deliver public services using the investment of private sector as a way supporting overall development in our country,” Ruto said.

Ruto’s sentiments come amidst serious backlash received from millions of Kenyans who have not welcomed the partnership between Kenya and Adani Group to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for renovations and to take control of it for 30-years from now.

Besides leasing the JKIA to Adani Group, the Indian firm is also aiming at finding its way to funding power transmission infrastructure in the country, in a deal with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).