Kenya’s President William Ruto cancels major deals with Adani Group
“In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” said Ruto in a speech met with loud cheers inside parliament.
The Adani Group was set to invest $1.85bn in Kenya’s main airport in exchange for a contract to run it for 30 years, as well as a $736m deal with the energy ministry to construct power lines.
Under the airport proposal, the upgrades would involve a new runway and an improved passenger terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The deals with the Adani group were largely unpopular in the country, and there were concerns of corruption.
The airport deal sparked a strike among airport workers in September, as many feared it would lead to job losses.
Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi told a parliamentary committee on Thursday there was no bribery or corruption involved in the procurement of the power lines.
President Ruto has pledged to take action against corruption, following repeated allegations against his administration.
Ruto said his government would now start to look for alternative partners for the airport and energy deals.
Source link