Energy CS Backs Adani Partnership Despite Legal Challenges and U.S. Scandal

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has asserted that the indictment of Adani Group executives in the U.S. over corruption charges will not impact the Ketraco-Adani electricity transmission deal in Kenya. Wandayi emphasized that extensive due diligence was conducted before the agreement, confirming Adani's compliance with legal and tax obligations. He defended the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model used in the deal, which is valued at Ksh 95 billion, as vital for upgrading Kenya's energy infrastructure without additional public debt.

Related:

• Bribes, Fraud, and $750M: Gautam Adani Faces Explosive U.S. Corruption Charges

• Kenya Gives Way Forward on Deal with Adani After US Charges

The allegations against Adani involve bribery schemes to secure green energy contracts in India, leading to scrutiny of its operations globally. However, Wandayi has dismissed concerns, highlighting that the deal will address inefficiencies in Kenya’s power grid, reduce electricity costs by minimizing system losses, and is expected to enhance energy reliability.

Despite government support, the deal faces legal challenges, with Kenya's High Court temporarily halting its implementation following concerns raised by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) regarding transparency and public participation.