Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has confirmed that Indian conglomerate Adani Group has submitted a proposal to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) regarding the potential takeover of several power lines.
Adani Group also expressed intentions to acquire the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) while also engaging with KETRACO.
In an interview, the CS said Adani has shown interest in managing the Gilgil-Thika-Malaa electricity line under KETRACO’s jurisdiction.
However, Chirchir emphasized that this is not yet finalized, as the proposal is currently undergoing evaluation and will be subjected to a comprehensive 20-stage due diligence process before any definitive actions are taken.
Additionally, he noted that there are numerous Public Private Proposals (PPPs) across various segments of the energy sector, encompassing both generation and transmission.
“Adani could be one of the proposals, because there are several PPP proposals in energy today. In generation alone, there are over 150 proposals by different companies. I think there is one line between Gilgil-Thika-Malaa that is still going through the due process,” he said.
According to reports, Adani plans to build three transmission lines totaling 371km and three substations, including the 206km, 400kV Gilgil-Thika-Malaa-Konza line which is set to cost Ksh 117.91 billion.
The National Treasury recently approved the project’s feasibility study report in March 2024.
However, the deal has raised concerns, with a lawyer writing to KETRACO seeking details on the tendering process and public participation before the agreement was made.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has also questioned the lack of public participation in the proposed deal.
Elsewhere, Chirchir explained the rationale behind the government’s decision not to publicly disclose its search for an investor to develop Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The Cabinet Secretary clarified that there is no obligation to publicly advertise proposals initiated by private entities.
He further elaborated that individuals or organizations have the opportunity to recognize a need within the government and can submit their proposals directly.
“For privately initiated proposals you don’t advertise, I can look for an opportunity based on where I think the government needs support and privately initiate a proposal
“That proposal then goes through the due process, and if the government deems it fit and it goes through the due approval process in 20 stages, then it becomes a project,” he stated.