Adani Energy Solutions Partners with KETRACO for 30-Year Power Transmission Project in Kenya

Adani Energy Solutions, the power transmission arm of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, has entered into a 30-year agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) to develop, finance, and maintain critical power infrastructure in Kenya, according to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Opiyo Wandayi.

This partnership aims to address the recurring power blackouts plaguing the country by upgrading Kenya’s transmission network to enhance reliability. The agreement includes the construction of 388 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines across various regions in Kenya.

The project, currently estimated to cost KES 95.68 billion, will undergo competitive bidding jointly overseen by KETRACO and Adani Energy Solutions. The Kenyan government will not bear any financial burden for the project. Under the agreement, Adani Energy Solutions will operate and maintain the infrastructure for 30 years, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations before eventually transferring ownership and all related assets to KETRACO.

However, the deal has sparked controversy, with a local organization filing a court case challenging the government's decision. The suit, backed by the Commission for Human Rights and Justice, alleges a lack of public participation and transparency in awarding the contract. The human rights group has also called for KETRACO to publicly disclose the terms of the agreement, which are now subject to judicial review.

This development follows a previous controversy involving Adani, who had expressed interest in managing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). That proposal was also met with public opposition due to concerns over transparency.