CS Wandayi's Plan To Avoid Repeat Of Uproar Caused By Adani Power Deal
Wandayi stated that proactive public involvement was crucial to prevent backlash, similar to the opposition faced during the Adani deals
Marvin Chege 
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has emphasized the government's commitment to public engagement in the newly established Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with infrastructure firm Africa50 for the development of new power lines.
Speaking before the National Assembly Energy Committee on Tuesday morning, February 25, Wandayi stated that proactive public involvement was crucial to prevent backlash, similar to the opposition faced during the Adani deals that were eventually cancelled by President William Ruto.
Addressing inquiries from committee members regarding the new power agreement, the CS clarified that the public-private partnership with Africa50 involves the construction of two power lines.
He further revealed that the private firm had already initiated discussions with the government on plans to build one power line from Kisumu to Kakamega and another from Lessos to Loosuk in Nandi County.
Photo of a power transmission line system. /KETRACO
Wandayi assured that the ministry would soon launch comprehensive public consultations at every phase of the project to ensure transparency and help Kenyans fully understand the details of the new agreement.
“The public out there will want to be involved or informed at every stage, so what we have decided to do is to be more accommodating of public views by proactively going out to explain what we are doing,” Wandayi said.
“We have chosen to be more transparent and elaborate. We are currently on a PPP project with Africa50 that will help us with two major transmission line projects, namely the Lessos and Kisumu-Kakamega lines,”
However, Wandayi acknowledged that while there are plans for extensive public engagement, a clear framework for conducting public participation nationwide has yet to be established.
He also emphasized that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum would work closely with Parliament to ensure the deal complies with the Constitution and to mitigate potential legal challenges, as the project is still in its early stages.
"Even though, from the PPP Act itself, the extent of public participation is not clear, and given how the courts have pronounced themselves before, we shall be relying on Parliament and this committee to work with us as we move along," the Energy Minister stated.
Wandayi's remarks come just days after the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) revealed that it was in the final stages of negotiating a Ksh45 billion power deal with Africa50.
This announcement also follows Kenya’s decision to terminate two privately initiated agreements with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group, including a power deal, after facing public backlash.
