MP Junet Mohamed proposes scrapping public participation to fast-track development

He argued that the process creates unnecessary bottlenecks, delaying the government’s agenda.

Speaking on Monday in Taita Taveta while accompanying President William Ruto, Junet said, “Serikali inachaguliwa ndio ilete maendeleo kwa nchi... lakini kama serikali ikitaka kufanya kazi yake inawekewa vikwazo.”

The Suna East MP criticized the existing framework, which mandates consultation with stakeholders such as citizens, civil society, and religious institutions before rolling out projects. 

Junet compared government decision-making to family matters, claiming that approval processes within a household are simpler.

“Hii mambo ya kuomba ruhusa kwa kila mtu lazima ikwishe,” he remarked. “Serikali haiwezi kuomba ruhusa mahakama na kanisa ati ndio waweke stima.”

Junet referenced recent controversies, such as the cancellation of the Adani Group’s deals to upgrade JKIA and energy infrastructure under Ketraco, attributing the setbacks to public criticism. He expressed frustration, claiming that vital projects with significant potential benefits have been derailed.

“Hata juzi mmeona airport yetu iko mbaya sana. Wawekezaji walitoka nje kusaidia… Rais akasema kama wananchi wamekataa, tumewacha,” he said. “Sasa hao waliopiga kelele wako wapi? Airport lazima itengenezwe.”

Using Tanzania as an example, Junet questioned why Kenya could not proceed with the same investor, who is currently collaborating with Tanzania to revamp their airports.

“Nchi jirani, Tanzania, wanafanya kazi na mwekezaji huyo. Wao ni wazimu? Kichwa yao imeruka?” he posed rhetorically.

President William Ruto recently directed the Ministries of Transport and Energy to terminate agreements with the Adani Group. During his State of the Nation Address on November 21, the president cited credible evidence of corruption involving the Indian conglomerate, which allegedly paid Ksh.30 billion in bribes to secure solar energy supply contracts in India.

"In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take action," the president affirmed.

Ruto ordered the cancellation of the Adani-backed JKIA Expansion Public-Private Partnership and KETRACO transmission line contracts, instructing the ministries to seek alternative partners.

“Based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations, the procuring agencies must immediately cancel these deals and initiate fresh negotiations with credible partners,” the president declared.