President William Ruto’s recent decision to cancel the controversial deals with India’s Adani Group has drawn widespread praise, including strong support from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). In a statement on Friday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli lauded the move as a “bold, timely and unequivocal action” that has rekindled the confidence of Kenyan workers, particularly those represented by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
Atwoli’s remarks came in response to President Ruto’s announcement during his second State of the Nation Address on Thursday. The President cited new evidence of corruption uncovered by investigative agencies and partner nations, which linked the Adani Group to unethical practices. Consequently, Ruto directed the Ministries of Transport and Energy to cancel ongoing procurement processes involving the group.
Worker Concerns Addressed
The centerpiece of the controversy was the Adani Group’s planned 30-year operational takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). KAWU members had expressed serious concerns over the deal, fearing unfavorable terms that would undermine Kenyan workers and compromise the country’s strategic assets.
Atwoli underscored the importance of consulting workers before implementing major reforms. “We wish to remind all agencies of the State and Government that proper consultation with workers is a must prior to any strategic reforms,” he stated. By canceling the Adani deals, the President signaled his administration’s commitment to transparency and worker inclusivity, Atwoli added.
A Stand Against Corruption
President Ruto reaffirmed his government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that credible evidence of graft would be met with decisive action. “I have stated in the past and now reiterate today that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he said.
Ruto further directed the responsible ministries to “immediately begin the process of onboarding new partners,” stressing the importance of maintaining momentum on critical infrastructure projects while ensuring transparency and accountability.
This decisive action aligns with Article 10 of the Kenyan Constitution, which enshrines the principles of good governance, integrity, and accountability.
International Implications
The cancellation of the Adani Group contracts came in the wake of a major development in the United States, where the company’s billionaire owner, Gautam Adani, was charged with fraud. This revelation likely added urgency to Ruto’s decision to terminate the deals, ensuring Kenya is not entangled in controversial international partnerships.
Commitment to Social Dialogue
Atwoli assured Kenyan workers that COTU remains committed to advocating for social dialogue among the tripartite partners of government, employers, and labor unions. “We will continue calling to promote the ideals of social dialogue to achieve inclusive economic growth,” he said.
COTU’s endorsement of Ruto’s decision reflects a shared vision for a transparent and worker-focused approach to national development. Atwoli emphasized that strategic reforms should always prioritize the welfare of Kenyan workers and the country’s economic sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
The cancellation of the Adani Group deals has set a significant precedent for the Kenya Kwanza administration. It sends a clear message that questionable dealings, regardless of their scale or international implications, will not be tolerated. By demonstrating a willingness to root out corruption and prioritize the interests of Kenyan workers, Ruto has taken a bold step toward fostering trust and accountability in governance.
As the affected ministries begin the process of securing new partners for the JKIA expansion and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) projects, stakeholders will be watching closely. The expectation is that future agreements will adhere to the principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring that Kenya’s resources benefit its people.
The President’s actions, coupled with COTU’s unwavering advocacy, mark a pivotal moment for labor relations and governance in Kenya. This move could redefine how the country approaches public-private partnerships, ensuring that economic growth aligns with the needs and rights of its workforce.
