Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi says the deal between the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and Adani Energy Solutions will go on despite Adani proprietor Gautam Adani being charged in the US with fraud.

The deal, estimated at Ksh95.68 billion, will see Adani develop, finance, construct, and operate critical transmission lines and substations across the country.

According to Wandayi,

“They (emerging reports on Adani) are not related to this project. We can’t even vouch for their veracity. We could be engaging in speculation. There has been no case of corruption or bribery in as far as this PIP of Adani Energy Solutions is concerned,” Wandayi stated while appearing in Parliament on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Adani has been charged with orchestrating a Ksh32 billion ($250 million or £198m) bribery scheme and concealing it to raise money in the US.

According to Wandayi, the government had no knowledge of the charges in US before signing the Adani-KETRACO deal.

“We had no knowledge of any other adverse matters that could have come to light and therefore, we are proceeding on the basis of the outcome of the very rigorous due diligence exercise that was undertaken by the contracting authority in line with the law,” he added.

Adani-KETRACO deal

Announcing the Adani KETRACO deal in October 2024, Wandayi said the deal would tackle Kenya’s chronic power outages and ensure more reliable electricity access.

“All Kenyans are well aware of the significant challenge that our country faces with persistent power blackouts. These projects are designed to significantly enhance our national electricity infrastructure (transmission lines and substations), ensuring reliable and widespread access to power that will support Kenya’s growing economy and development goals,” Wandayi said.

According to Wandayi, the Kenyan government will not incur any financial expenditure.

“Before signing the agreement, KETRACO conducted comprehensive due diligence on Adani Energy Solutions as the project proponent, along with thorough stakeholder engagement. This ensures that all concerns have been addressed and the project is primed for successful execution,” he added in October.

“This project is aligned with the government’s objective of expanding access to electricity across the country, minimise transmission losses and address blackouts. This project will empower communities, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic activity at the grassroots level in different parts of the country.”

The project will entail power lines including Gilgil-Thika-Malaa-Konza 400kV Double-Circuit Line, Rongai-Keringet-Chemosit 220kV Line, Menengai-Ol Kalou-Rumuruti 132kV Line, Lessos 400/220kV Substation and Thurdibuoro 132/33kV Substation.