Transport PS faces backlash from MPS over Adani’s JKIA deal responses

Members of Parliament on Thursday turned away the Principal Secretary for Roads and Transport Mohamed Daghar after he provided what they deemed a "shallow" submission regarding the Adani Airports deal for the takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Members of the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee led by its chairman, Balambala MP Abdi Shurie, expressed their dissatisfaction with the PS and deemed his responses as insufficient, accusing him of providing "Googled" information that failed to address key issues.

"Honestly speaking, I think you're just ticking the box and saying we appeared before the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee," Shurie said.

He stressed the need for detailed information regarding the project's timeline, due diligence process, and execution, which Daghar did not adequately supply.

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Lagdera MP Mohamed Abdikadir was the first to voice frustration, describing the report as "very shallow" and merely a summary easily obtainable online.

"This is the information that I can pull from websites," he said.

Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba echoed these sentiments, calling it embarrassing for a PS to present such a report, which he likened to information available to any citizen.

In his defence, Daghar explained that ongoing court cases had stalled the project, preventing further actions, including stakeholder engagement and due diligence.

"It is, however, imperative to emphasise that no legally binding agreement has been finalised between the Kenya Airports Authority and the proponent, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd," he said.

The PS stated that discussions had only reached a non-binding "heads of terms" stage.

Despite Daghar's explanations, the committee insisted he return with a more comprehensive report. They aimed for clarity on the government's stance on public-private partnerships and the anticipated benefits for Kenyans.

Tensions escalated when Daghar suggested rescheduling the meeting to attend a staff member’s burial, prompting Shurie to question the importance of the event in light of the parliamentary session.

Kitui MP Irene Kasalu threatened to leave the meeting, expressing frustration over the PS's priorities.

The committee is set to reconvene in a week, expecting a detailed report from Daghar that meets their expectations and sheds light on the Adani deal.

The PS clarified that discussions had only progressed to a non-binding "Heads of Terms" stage.

The committee is set to reconvene in a week, expecting a detailed report from Daghar that meets their requirements and clarifies the Adani deal.