Kenyan business student Nelson Amenya has emerged as a symbol of transparency, gaining praise for exposing questionable dealings between the Kenyan government and private firms.
Corruption in Kenya’s public contracts has been a persistent issue, with many deals shrouded in secrecy despite laws meant to ensure accountability. Amenya, a 30-year-old MBA student in France, brought attention to a proposed agreement between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group.
The $2 Billion Deal
In July, Amenya leaked documents detailing a $2 billion proposal for the Adani Group to lease and modernize Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. JKIA, the largest airport in Kenya and the region, has long needed significant upgrades.
Initially, Amenya thought it was just another routine deal. However, as he reviewed the documents, he realized the terms heavily favored the Indian conglomerate, leaving Kenya with substantial financial risks despite contributing most of the funding.
“The deal was unfair,” Amenya told the BBC. He believed the arrangement betrayed the trust of Kenyan citizens, alleging that the government was prioritizing private interests over public welfare.
Facing Risks
Amenya’s decision to leak the documents wasn’t easy. From France, he grappled with fears for his safety, knowing the dangers faced by anti-corruption activists in Kenya, where many have been targeted or killed.
Despite the risks, Amenya chose to act. “Staying silent was not an option. Only cowards live long,” he said.
Public Outrage and Protests
Amenya shared the documents on social media, sparking nationwide outrage. JKIA workers went on strike, demanding the cancellation of the deal. His revelations also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and adherence to Kenyan procurement laws.
He alleged that government officials bypassed mandatory procedures, including public consultations. A Kenya Airports Authority report from April highlighted that no stakeholders had been consulted about the deal. By July, when Amenya exposed the plan, the agreement was close to being finalized.
Government and Adani Group Responses
The Kenyan government and Adani Group denied allegations of corruption. The Adani Group claimed their proposal followed Kenyan regulations and was intended to benefit the economy. They insisted no binding agreement was signed.
However, it wasn’t Amenya’s revelations alone that led to the cancellation. A turning point came when the US government indicted Gautam Adani, the group’s founder, for alleged involvement in a $250 million bribery scheme.
President Ruto Cancels the Deal
In a state-of-the-nation address, Kenyan President William Ruto announced the cancellation of both Adani deals, including another multimillion-dollar energy project. “In the face of credible evidence of corruption, I will take decisive action,” Ruto said to applause in parliament.
Kenyans celebrated the decision, which the president attributed to information provided by investigative agencies and international partners.
Amenya’s Reaction
For Amenya, the news was overwhelming. “I was in class when this announcement came. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Despite being far from home, Amenya felt it was his duty to act for the betterment of his country.
His actions have solidified his place as a courageous advocate for accountability, offering hope for a Kenya free from corruption.