Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. Photo | courtesy.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced that the ministry is nearing completion of a new public-private partnership (PPP) deal in the energy transmission sector.
Wandayi revealed that the project will be spearheaded by a consortium led by Africa50 and will focus on constructing two major transmission lines: Lessos–Lesuk and Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga.
“There is another public-private partnership project in the transmission sector that will be implemented by the Africa50 consortium. We are now at the final stage of contract signing,” said Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. “Africa50 will construct two key transmission lines: Lessos–Lesuk and Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga.”
The ministry has confirmed that the Contract process agreement is nearing conclusion, with efforts now concentrated on finalising the contract to kick-start the implementation phase.
Wandayi noted that this initiative follows a previous partnership with the Adani Group, which was responsible for delivering four transmission lines and associated substations.
ALSO READ: Gov’t Backs Petroleum Boom to Fire Up Economy
Although the Adani project attracted public criticism, Wandayi assured that the ministry has taken those experiences into account to improve the current approach.
“Just like Adani was to handle four transmission lines and substations, this new project has benefited from stronger public engagement, drawing from the lessons we learned during the Adani experience,” he said.
The Africa50-led project is set to become the first of its kind in the region, representing a major milestone not only for Kenya but also for the African continent in advancing energy transmission through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that while PPPs offer a sustainable path to bridging infrastructure gaps, they must be implemented with strong public accountability, transparency and inclusivity.
Lessons from the Adani Deal
Addressing concerns raised during the earlier partnership with the Adani Group, Wandayi noted that the current project has involved more comprehensive stakeholder engagement to ensure public confidence.
He expressed the ministry’s confidence that this inclusive approach will ease public concerns, promote understanding and build trust especially within communities poised to benefit from enhanced power transmission infrastructure.
“Kenyans need to understand that PPPs are essential for our progress,” Wandayi said. “But I also agree they must be managed properly and transparently. That is exactly what the government is committed to doing to meet the needs and address the concerns of the ordinary mwananchi.”
