Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended the Adani Group amidst public criticism regarding its involvement in leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and energy projects in the country.
Speaking in Mombasa on Sunday, October 13, Odinga claimed that Kenya's economic challenges necessitate embracing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment.
Despite concerns about transparency and investor integrity, Raila argued that Adani's capabilities surpass those of other firms in East Africa.
“Adani is a credible partner. They have proven their capabilities in projects that surpass what we have seen in East Africa," he said.
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Additionally, Raila recalled his introduction to Adani by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then Chief Minister of Gujarat.
He further stated that the Adani Group has been interested in investing in Kenya since 2010, but this interest was hindered by the lack of a proper legal framework for PPPs at the time.
"I have had the chance to interact with the PPP proposals in question and it is my duty to state what I know about them. When I was the Prime Minister of Kenya I was introduced to the Adani group of companies and its activities.
"I want to say that there needs to be transparency when dealing with such issues; otherwise we risk condemning very reputable companies. If there are individuals who have made mistakes, let them own up and admit it, but do not condemn innocent companies that are engaged in legitimate commercial transactions," he said.
Raila called for improvements in Kenya's PPP framework to ensure investor confidence and protect national interests, including labor laws and environmental regulations.
“There have been misgivings about how the PPP processes for JKIA and the energy sector have been handled, but we must ensure that Kenya remains an attractive destination for such investments," he added.
The former Prime Minister warned that alienating credible investors like Adani could hinder vital infrastructure development.
"The country needs to protect the framework of PPPs and investors that show interest in putting money into our public services and utilities. Otherwise, no investor will set foot here," he remarked.
