MP Junet calls for scrapping public participation in mega projects
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The Minority leader of the National Assembly argued that the constitutional requirement often hinders progress on multi-billion-shilling initiatives that could significantly benefit Kenyans.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has stirred debate by calling for the removal of public participation as a prerequisite for implementing development projects.
The Minority leader of the National Assembly argued that the constitutional requirement often hinders progress on multi-billion-shilling initiatives that could significantly benefit Kenyans.
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"The government is elected, so it works for citizens, but the government is being sanctioned because it has to ask for permission from Kenyans, civil society, Judiciary, Parliament, and religious organisations. When will the government work?" Junet posed.
He spoke on Monday while accompanying President William Ruto on a development tour in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County.
The event was attended by several political leaders and state officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and various MPs from the Coast region.
Adani deals
Junet cited the recent cancellation of agreements with India's Adani Group as an example of how public input requirements are stalling development.
He criticised the decision, saying it derailed critical projects like the refurbishment of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
"This thing of asking for permission from everyone must end. Our airport is in a poor state; investors came from outside to help us refurbish the airport, [but] the President said if citizens don't want it, we have to drop it," Junet stated.
President Ruto last month cancelled all finalised and pending deals with the Adani Group following allegations of corruption against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address on November 21, 2024, Ruto cited "new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations" as the basis for his decision.
The cancellations affected a Sh96 billion deal that would have allowed Adani Group to manage Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) transmission lines for 30 years. Another agreement for the company to upgrade and manage JKIA for three decades was also shelved.
Ruto's decision came amid mounting public opposition and worker strikes at JKIA.
The proposed deals were widely criticized over corruption concerns and the lack of transparency. "In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action," Ruto said, earning applause from MPs.
However, Junet Mohamed dismissed the backlash against Adani Group, pointing out that the same company is involved in upgrading airports in neighbouring Tanzania without facing similar resistance.
"Those who were making noise, give us alternatives now because the airport must be upgraded. In neighbouring Tanzania, they are working with that same investor in their airport; is this to say Tanzanians are mad?" Junet questioned.
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