The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has remained tight-lipped over its reported partnership with the Indian energy giant Adani Energy Solutions, raising eyebrows amidst growing concerns about transparency and public interest.

The Indian firm, whose sister company is already embroiled in controversy surrounding the proposed lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, now finds itself at the centre of another clouded deal, with KETRACO declining to reveal the details.

In a move that has piqued the curiosity of legal advocates and the public alike, KETRACO’s Managing Director, John Mativo, cited legal provisions to justify the silence.

Responding to a formal request by IC Law Advocates for access to critical information on the agreement, Mativo declared that the request "falls under Section 4(1) of the Access to Information Act."

In other words, the requested data is still under review, with no definitive decision on whether it will be disclosed.

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This response has not satisfied the legal community. On 11th September, IC Law Advocates penned a letter demanding transparency, emphasising their right to access information as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.

The letter was not shy about its expectations. It demanded full disclosure of project agreements related to Adani’s involvement, details on the firm’s financial muscle, a breakdown of the tendering process, and assessments regarding the projects' legal, economic, and commercial viability.

The advocates also sought an explanation regarding public participation in the decision-making process, approvals from the Attorney General, and any government-issued financial guarantees or risk covers.

The firm’s tone was clear: “We require this information within fourteen (14) days of receipt of this letter. Failure to which we shall exercise our rights in accordance with the law.”

Despite the urgency, Mativo's response provided little reassurance.

He maintained that the matter remains unresolved, stating that "after due consideration and finalisation of the process, the requested information may be availed."

Citing Section 6(1) of the Access to Information Act, Mativo justified the delay, saying the issues are "under active review consideration."

For now, the public is left in suspense, with KETRACO’s partnership with Adani Energy Solutions shrouded in secrecy.

The lack of clarity has raised fresh concerns, particularly given Adani's controversial track record and its strained involvement in Kenyan infrastructure projects.

Whether KETRACO will offer the transparency demanded or continue to stall remains to be seen.

As the clock ticks, the pressure mounts on KETRACO to break its silence and reveal the terms of a deal that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya's energy and infrastructure sectors.