Over $2 Billion Infrastructure Projects Halted Amid Investigations
NAIROBI, Kenya (BG) – Kenyan President William Ruto announced the immediate cancellation of two major infrastructure deals with the Adani Group on Wednesday, citing “new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations” following allegations levelled against the company by U.S. authorities.
The deals, valued over $2 billion, included plans to construct a second runway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and upgrade to its passenger terminal in exchange for a 30-year lease. The agreements also covered energy infrastructure projects.
“I have directed agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to immediately cancel the ongoing procurement,” Ruto stated during a national address, emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to transparency and accountability in international partnerships.
“We have made undeniable progress in our country. However, there remains much to be done. We must continue working together to hasten the delivery of our commitments and change Kenya. Our forward march is unstoppable,” Ruto tweeted.
The move follows recent allegations from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, accusing them of corporate misconduct.
In response, the Adani Group strongly denied the allegations. The company called the claims “baseless” in a media statement and reaffirmed its commitment to governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance. “The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the group noted, adding that all legal options would be pursued.