Mixed reactions as Ruto cancels Adani deals in State of Nation address

Police officers patrol Mama Ngina Street in Nairobi during President William Ruto's State of the Nation address in Parliament on November 21, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

President William Ruto’s State of the Nation address Thursday drew both praise and criticism, as legislators and Kenyans offered varying views.

Delivered at a time when Kenyans are increasingly disillusioned with the government’s performance two years into its term, the President sought to reassure citizens that their concerns about the state of the nation warrant meaningful engagement, thorough understanding, and thoughtful responses.

“We have not been watching helplessly and doing nothing as adversity took a toll on the economy and undermined the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people. On the contrary, we have been working tirelessly to steer the country from the brink of unprecedented economic collapse onto a more promising trajectory,” said Ruto.

“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,” he added.

Legislators responded to the speech with mixed reactions.

Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, described the nation’s transformation as firmly on course.

“While the journey has been painstaking, significant strides are being made to stabilise an economy that was on the brink just two years ago. Through deliberate policies, structural reforms, and collective resilience, we are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised the speech, calling it a “very powerful statement” that addressed pressing concerns.

He particularly lauded the President’s announcement cancelling the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and energy sector deals linked to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.

“The President was very blunt and direct in the statement he made. It is a major sigh of relief to Kenyans and has set a new bar for those seeking partnerships with us. Any partners must come with clean hands and integrity,” Mudavadi said.

Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba highlighted the Adani issue as the day’s standout moment.

“I want to sincerely thank the President for listening to Kenyans, who have said they do not want to associate with Adani. However, this cancellation will have consequences for breaching the contract. The lack of proper advisory before signing the deal is concerning, and accountability must follow,” he said.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei welcomed the cancellation, saying it marked a new chapter of transparent and accountable public-private partnerships.

“The hallmark of the President’s address is the cancellation of the Adani deals in energy and roads. This should also extend to health, as Adani was involved in other partnerships,” said Cherargei.

While many Kenyans applauded the President’s decision to cancel the Adani deals, there was widespread disappointment over his failure to address the high cost of living.

In Nyandarua and Laikipia counties, some residents criticised the speech as containing half-truths and exaggerations about government programmes.

“We are no longer getting services from our hospitals. What we want is access to healthcare since we are suffering,” said Nyahururu youth leader Dennis Ndereva.

On the Adani deals, lawyer Martin Waichungo, Law Society of Kenya regional chair, warned that the cancellation might lead to costly court cases.

“This was a signed deal. Cancelling it might prompt Adani to sue, as they had already begun work,” he said.

However, Joseph Nderitu, a Nakuru-based accountant, supported the decision.

“It is a bold move, and we hope any other deals made in Adani’s manner will also be cancelled. These were financial and security risks,” he said, adding that the cancellation must not come at a cost to Kenyans.

Nakuru businesswoman Asumpta Muiruri found the speech promising but urged immediate action on pressing matters in health and education.

“The cancellation of the Adani deals is positive, but we need timely responses to other issues. The government should revert to NHIF and abandon SHIF, which has failed most patients seeking medical services,” she said.

In Nyanza and Western regions, residents accused the President of engaging in public relations with little to show for the past year.

“Several sectors are on their knees due to a declining economy, yet the President painted a rosy picture. He is trying to manage public anger,” said Joseph Oloo.

However, Kakamega lawyer William Anyonje praised the President’s decision on Adani, describing it as a bold step towards accountability.

“This demonstrates that no one, regardless of their influence, is above the law. It sends a clear signal that corruption will not be tolerated,” said Anyonje.

Mombasa residents welcomed the cancellation but expressed concerns about the high cost of living, healthcare, and education.

“The Adani deal is neither here nor there for me. The President should focus on reducing the cost of living and fixing the healthcare and education crises,” said business owner Lucy Nyabate.

Marikiti market trader Rukia Mohamed added, “The price of commodities is at an all-time high, and there is no money in circulation. Ruto should focus on lowering the cost of doing business.”

Julius Ogogo commended the cancellation, noting it came at a time when Kenyans were resisting the privatisation of key government facilities.

As criticism and applause continue to swirl, Kenyans remain eager to see if the government will match words with action on critical issues affecting the nation.

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Report by Irene Githinji, Mary Imenza, James Munyeki, Kennedy Gachuhi, Michael Mute and Joachim Bwana