Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s stance on its agreement with Indian conglomerate Adani, dismissing claims of controversy over his earlier remarks during the State of the Nation Address.
Speaking in Nyando, Kisumu County on November 23, after attending a church service, Mbadi explained that the Adani deal is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), allowing either party to terminate the agreement should significant concerns arise.
“This is a Project Investment Partnership (PIP) that remains flexible. The government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in all PPP arrangements,” he said.
The CS emphasized that the government continues to welcome PPPs and invited interested parties to bid for critical projects, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) initiatives.
Addressing Health and Economic Concerns
Mbadi also announced that the government has allocated KSh 5 billion to clear pending bills from the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). He reassured the public that the State Health Authority (SHA), which replaced NHIF, is receiving funding to resolve its financial challenges.
On industrialization, Mbadi revealed that the government plans to allocate resources in the next budget to support the Kisumu Special Economic Zone, a strategic move aimed at driving industrial growth in the region.
Upcoming AfSNET Investment Conference
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who accompanied Mbadi, highlighted the significance of the upcoming AfSNET Investment Conference, scheduled for next week. The event will spotlight investment opportunities in the Kisumu Special Economic Zone and other industrial hubs.
“This conference will gather investors from across sub-sovereign nations to explore innovative business ideas and market strategies, with a focus on economic zoning investments,” Nyong’o said.
The conference, which will be graced by President William Ruto and other dignitaries from across Africa, is expected to position Kisumu as a key player in the continent’s industrialization agenda.
Mbadi and Nyong’o expressed optimism that the initiatives discussed would bolster economic development and enhance Kenya’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
