PPPs Key to Expanding Kenya’s Infrastructure

Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga has applauded the government infrastructure program through public private partnership initiatives.

He defended the government move saying it is the most viable, tested and reliable means through which it can sustainably address the country’s needs.

“The public is not equally in favour of more borrowing from bodies like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank,” he pointed out.

Raila said the public private partnership initiatives will bring relief from the burden of debt which the country’s taxpayers are already grappling with.

He was reacting to critics of Adani Group investments in the country during a media briefing held at PrideInn Hotel in Mombasa county.

The Azimio leader said he has followed with a lot of interest the current debate surrounding the efforts to improve the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [JKIA] and the energy sector through public private partnership arrangements.

Raila, who was flanked by the new-look Orange Democratic Movement [ODM] team, broke his silence on the issue of the Indian billionaire Gautam Shantilal Adani and told the agencies concerned to address all concerns raised by all Kenyans on the government projects.

He asked them to ensure they don’t spook foreign capital away from the country’s economy.

“The ongoing energy and airport projects, therefore, present a critical test that could make or break our ability to compete in the field of infrastructure development for a considerable period,” he added.