Kenya's government gave a 17.7 billion shilling gas storage contract to Nigerian company Asharami Synergy. Lawmakers compare the deal to the controversial Adani agreement and demand answers. The project moved from Kenya Pipeline Company to the foreign firm under a 31-year lease deal. Senators grilled Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi about removing the project from the state company. Critics question the transparency of choosing a foreign company over local firms.
The facility will store 30,000 tonnes of cooking gas at Changamwe port near Mombasa. Kenya Pipeline Company originally planned to build and operate the storage center. Six companies received invitations to bid but only Gulf Energy and Asharami Synergy submitted proposals. The government says it followed proper procurement rules and received Cabinet approval. Senator Okiya Omtatah wants full details about all proposals and land lease agreements.
Wandayi defended the decision and said the law was followed when leasing 23 acres of public land. Multiple government agencies approved the strategic directive for the project. The minister cited Treasury regulations that allow special procurement procedures for certain projects. Lawmakers continue demanding more transparency about the deal and its long-term effects. Cooking gas remains expensive for ordinary Kenyans despite government promises to reduce costs.
The facility will store 30,000 tonnes of cooking gas at Changamwe port near Mombasa. Kenya Pipeline Company originally planned to build and operate the storage center. Six companies received invitations to bid but only Gulf Energy and Asharami Synergy submitted proposals. The government says it followed proper procurement rules and received Cabinet approval. Senator Okiya Omtatah wants full details about all proposals and land lease agreements.
Wandayi defended the decision and said the law was followed when leasing 23 acres of public land. Multiple government agencies approved the strategic directive for the project. The minister cited Treasury regulations that allow special procurement procedures for certain projects. Lawmakers continue demanding more transparency about the deal and its long-term effects. Cooking gas remains expensive for ordinary Kenyans despite government promises to reduce costs.
