Adani Energy signs $741-million power deal with Kenya amid controversy

Key Points

• Adani Energy Solutions has secured a $736-million deal to build 388 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines in Kenya, boosting local power infrastructure.
• The project will see Adani manage operations for 30 years before transferring ownership back to Kenya Electricity Transmission Company.
• Gautam Adani’s net worth stands at $100 billion as he propels Adani Group’s growth in global infrastructure through strategic expansions.

Adani Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Adani Group conglomerate led by India’s second-richest man Gautam Adani, has finalized a $736-million agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO). This partnership is aimed at bolstering Kenya’s power infrastructure and underscores Adani’s expanding presence in Africa.

The agreement entails the construction of 388 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines, with Adani assuming operational responsibilities for the next 30 years. Upon completion of this period, ownership of the infrastructure will revert to KETRACO.

Investment in Kenya’s energy future

Valued at approximately Ksh95.68 billion ($741 million), the project will be financed through a mix of debt and equity. The Kenyan Ministry of Energy confirmed the agreement following four months of intensive negotiations, emphasizing the importance of this investment for the country’s energy landscape.

This initiative aligns with Adani’s broader strategic objectives in Kenya, which include a contentious bid for a 30-year concession to manage Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This proposal has attracted scrutiny, particularly regarding transparency in the bidding process and its implications for public trust in government decision-making.

However, the arrangement has sparked controversy. A Kenyan organization has filed a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to award the contract, citing concerns over insufficient public involvement and a lack of transparency throughout the process. Additionally, the Commission for Human Rights and Justice has called for KETRACO to disclose the specifics of the agreement, a demand that is currently subject to judicial review.

Adani Group’s interests in Kenya

Gautam Adani, who currently holds a net worth of $100 billion, continues to drive Adani Group’s growth as a global infrastructure powerhouse. With a diverse portfolio including Adani Power, Adani Total Gas, Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Ports, and Adani Green Energy, the group’s strategic expansions reflect its commitment to establishing a robust global presence.

In a related development, Kenya’s High Court has temporarily blocked another contentious initiative involving Adani Enterprises, another arm of the Adani Group. This deal involves a 30-year lease to manage and expand JKIA, East Africa’s largest aviation hub, illustrating the complexities surrounding Adani’s ambitious projects in the region.

Additionally, Adani Enterprises has launched Airports Infrastructure PLC (AIP), a new subsidiary dedicated to airport development in Kenya. In a notable investment move, Adani Energy, in collaboration with Africa50, plans to allocate $1.22 billion (Ksh158.24 billion) toward these projects, signaling a robust commitment to enhancing Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.