The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has urged President William Ruto to disclose all costs and potential losses incurred during the negotiations of the recently canceled Ksh338 billion deals with the Adani Group.
This demand follows the President’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, November 21, where he revealed the termination of the agreements.
In an official statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo welcomed the cancellation, stating that it aligns with the will of the Kenyan people.
However, she emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, calling on the government to detail any public funds spent during the process.
Odhiambo described the decision as a positive step but noted that it was crucial to address lingering questions about financial implications.
“We welcome this presidential directive, which is in line with the will and best interests of the people of Kenya. While we were prepared to prosecute these matters to a conclusion, the government’s concession in response to public concerns is a more expeditious and people-driven resolution,” she said.
Odhiambo further called on the government to disclose all costs and losses incurred and to implement measures that would minimize financial damage to the country.
President Ruto canceled two significant agreements with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group after the company’s executives faced fraud charges in the United States.
The first deal involved the expansion and operation of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at a cost of Ksh238 billion, while the second was a Ksh95 billion contract for Adani Energy Solutions to build and manage electricity transmission lines under the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
Ruto justified his decision to terminate the agreements by citing public concerns and new information from investigative agencies and international partners.
During his State of the Nation Address, he directed the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to immediately halt the procurement processes, emphasizing the constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
The cancellation of the deals has raised questions about the financial consequences for Kenya, including whether the Adani Group might seek compensation for damages or lost investment returns.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, however, assured the public that the government would not compensate the company for the canceled agreements.
LSK’s demand for transparency aims to ensure that any financial implications of the canceled deals are addressed, protecting public funds and reinforcing accountability.
Odhiambo stressed the importance of this step to prevent a recurrence of similar costly engagements in the future.
