Kenyan Newspapers Review: Adani Group Enters Another Secret Deal With Ruto's Govt, Wandayi Confirms

On Friday, September 13, the Kenyan newspapers exposed another secret deal between President William Ruto's government and the controversial Adani Group of India.

The dailies also extensively reported that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had been isolated after MPs from his Mt Kenya backyard backed Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki as their kingpin.

1. The Standard

Besides its proposal to take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a 30-year lease, details have emerged that India's Adani Group has spread its tentacles to the energy sector.

Kisii senator Richard Onyoka, who has been monitoring Adani deals, revealed on Thursday, September 12, that the Adani Group was on the verge of entering into an agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).

"It should be brought to the attention of the public that besides the JKIA deal, Adani Limited is on the verge of entering another contractual agreement for a transmission lines project by KETRACO without public participation," Onyoka claimed.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said Kenya needs a new transmission line to tame the rising nationwide blackouts by building new infrastructure and reducing leakages.

Wandayi said the government approved a KSh 117 billion proposal from Adani Energy Solutions to construct 371km of power transmission lines and five substations.

2. The Star

Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang'o has exposed counties that have spent more on local and foreign travel at the expense of development.

In her new 2023/2024 financial year report, Nyakang'o revealed counties spent KSh 17.6 billion on travel.

This included KSh 15.28 billion on domestic travel and KSh 2.32 billion on foreign travel.

Which counties topped the list?

1. Turkana - KSh 1.19 billion.
2. Nairobi - KSh 1.18 billion.
3. Machakos - KSh 801.44 million.
4. Nakuru - KSh 647.02 million.
5. West Pokot - KSh 601.7 million.
6. Kitui - KSh 515.76 million.
7. Narok - KSh 510.08 million.
8. Kwale - KSh 499.95 million.
9. Meru - KSh 480.67 million.
10. Kisumu -KSh 472.54 million.

3. People Daily

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been isolated after 48 MPs from his Mt Kenya backyard declared Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as their new kingpin.

The MPs said Kindiki will henceforth be their link to the national government.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), and Betty Maina (Murang'a woman rep) were among the lawmakers who declared their support for Kindiki.

"We are convinced beyond doubt that the unity of the region must be pursued in the context of the nation," they said in a joint statement on Thursday, September 12.

4. Daily Nation

President William Ruto is marking two years in office on Friday, September 13.

The Kenya Kwanza administration swept to power through the hustler narrative, promising to empower Kenyans at the lowest level.

Eliud Owalo, the deputy chief of staff of performance and delivery management, listed the regime's successes, including the distribution of subsidised fertilisers and the Hustler Fund.

However, Ruto faced massive anti-government protests over the rising cost of living, corruption and introduction of new taxes.

5. Taifa Leo

President William Ruto has returned the Kazi Mtaani programme after initially dismissing it.

Ruto said the government will engage the youth in cleaning the Nairobi River and planting trees nationwide.

The first phase of cleaning the Nairobi River will begin in October, and the target is to employ 20,000 young men and women.

The second phase of cleaning water sources will be carried out in the cities of Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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The Kenyan newspaper headlines on Friday, September 13.

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