CS Chirchir under fire for failing to submit JKIA-Adani leasing papers to Senators

The Senate Roads and Transport Committee was on Thursday left angered after Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir failed to present crucial documents relating to the proposed leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Indian firm Adani Group.

Chirchir, who appeared before the committee, cited ongoing court proceedings as the reason for his inability to provide the necessary documents.

The CS revealed that two court orders have been issued concerning the matter, raising concerns about whether the committee can proceed without infringing on the sub-judice rule.

“I was advised by a technical team to seek your advice if we can continue with this matter while we have been served by court orders on this matter,” Chirchir said.

He acknowledged the existence of a proposal from Adani Group under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Act to develop, operate, and transfer JKIA but promised to submit additional details once the committee clarified its position on how to handle the issue.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticised Chirchir for not having the required documents, questioning, “How is it possible that even today as you walked in, you don’t have any documents to provide to the Senate? Are you saying that there is a court order preventing you from providing the documents to the Senate?”

Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute expressed frustration over the delay. “I want to know why two months later I still don’t have this information. Let them explain to us why we don’t have those documents until now, do we need a helicopter to bring those documents?”

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka alleged that the deal with Adani Group includes plans for additional projects beyond the airport lease.

“Adani has been given contractual arrangements for them to supply power in Kenya through KETRACO, and they are intending to take over KenGen and they will be the one running the insurance system for our healthcare SHIF,” Onyonka claimed.

Chirchir defended the ministry, noting that they are not intentionally withholding information but are prepared to address the “misinformation” surrounding the deal.

“It’s so important for us to be able to communicate to Parliament and Kenyans on what documents we have, what is going on, where we are today because it’s paramount for us to communicate and explain this matter because there is a lot of information out there,” he said.

He requested additional time to compile and submit the documents, suggesting that an extension until Monday or Tuesday would be more feasible.

The committee chair, Senator Karungo Thangwa, ruled that all documents must be provided, and Chirchir is expected to reappear before the Senate on Friday.