Members of the Debt and Privatisation Committee of the Kenyan Parliament expressed their outrage over the lack of substance in the presentation made by the Principal Secretary (PS) for Roads and Transport, Mohamed Daghar, regarding the controversial Adani takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The committee, led by Balambala MP Shurie Abdi, accused the PS of providing ‘shallow’ responses, which they described as mere ‘Googled submissions’ that failed to adequately address the pressing questions raised by the committee.
Context of the Meeting
The Adani deal has been a contentious topic in Kenyan politics, with many MPs and stakeholders concerned about the implications of foreign investments in key infrastructure projects. The committee summoned PS Daghar to provide a detailed report on the progress of the Adani agreement, including specifics on the project timeline, the due diligence process, and the overall execution of the deal. However, the response provided by the PS was perceived as insufficient and lacking the necessary depth and detail.
MPs’ Frustration
As Daghar began his presentation, it became evident that the committee was not satisfied with the information he provided. Lagdera MP Mohamed Abdikadir was the first to voice his dissatisfaction, labeling the report as something that could have been easily sourced from online platforms. “This is a very shallow report; this is the information that I can pull from websites. You may be feeling fatigued. But if information has not been provided to this committee, it has not been provided to Parliament,” Abdikadir remarked. His comments set the tone for the rest of the session, with other MPs echoing his sentiments.
MP Omboko Milemba added to the criticism, stating that it was embarrassing for a PS to come before the committee with such a lackluster report. “It’s like you, as any other person on the street, can get this report from anywhere. So I don’t know why you came here with this kind of report, just to embarrass yourself,” Milemba asserted. The palpable frustration among the MPs highlighted the broader issue of accountability and transparency within the government, particularly regarding public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Daghar’s Clarifications
In response to the criticism, PS Daghar attempted to clarify the situation surrounding the Adani deal. He stated that procedural steps in the agreement had stalled due to ongoing court cases, which have effectively paused further actions, including due diligence and stakeholder engagements. Daghar emphasized that no legally binding agreement had been finalized with Adani Airport Holdings, asserting that discussions had only reached the non-binding “Heads of Terms” stage.
“It is, however, imperative to emphasize that no legally binding agreement has been finalised between the Kenya Airports Authority and the proponent, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. The discussions have only led to the development of a non-binding Heads of Terms document,” Daghar explained. While his intention was to shed light on the complexities of the deal, the MPs remained unconvinced, demanding a more comprehensive report that would adequately address their concerns.
The Summons and the Funeral
As the session progressed, tension escalated when PS Daghar sought to defer his appearance before the committee, citing the need to attend the funeral of a junior staff member. This request drew immediate backlash from the committee members, who were incredulous at the timing. “Parliament is in session, we are using taxpayers’ money, yet you are saying that you’re attending a funeral. My goodness, this is a joke of the year, is the burial of a junior staff member a matter of national importance?” the committee chair, Shurie Abdi, exclaimed. His comments underscored the expectation that government officials prioritize their obligations to Parliament, especially when public interests are at stake.
Kitui MP Irene Kasalu added to the mounting frustration, expressing her own personal challenges while also highlighting the absurdity of the situation. “I’m here, and my son is having surgery; in fact, I need to get out of here. This is a joke,” she said. Kasalu’s remarks reflected the broader sentiment within the committee that urgent national matters should take precedence over personal commitments, particularly when the credibility of the government is at stake.
Committee’s Resolution
In light of the unsatisfactory presentation and the ensuing drama, the Debt and Privatisation Committee resolved to request a more robust and transparent report from PS Daghar. They emphasized that this session was not merely a formality but rather an essential opportunity to clarify the government’s stance on public-private partnerships and outline the expected benefits for the Kenyan public.
The MPs’ insistence on thoroughness in the Adani deal discussions is indicative of a larger demand for transparency and accountability in government dealings. The frustrations expressed during this session signal a growing impatience among lawmakers who are keen on ensuring that the government is held accountable for its dealings, especially in significant infrastructure projects that have far-reaching implications for the economy and public welfare.
Conclusion
The events of Thursday serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in the governance of public-private partnerships in Kenya. As the committee prepares for a follow-up session, the spotlight remains on the government to provide the clarity and accountability that Kenyans deserve. The continued scrutiny by MPs reflects a growing demand for transparency and a commitment to ensuring that public resources are managed in a manner that prioritizes the interests of the citizens.
As the discourse surrounding the Adani deal unfolds, it is clear that the expectations of Parliament will play a crucial role in shaping the future of public-private partnerships in Kenya. With the committee urging for detailed reports and transparency, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these calls for accountability in the ongoing negotiations.
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