National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has ignited a national conversation after proposing removing public participation in the approval of development projects in Kenya.
He argues that the process introduces unnecessary delays, hindering the government’s ability to deliver on its development agenda.
Speaking in Taita Taveta on Monday while accompanying President William Ruto, Junet said, “Governments are elected to deliver development, but when they attempt to execute their mandate, they face endless obstacles.”
The Suna East MP criticized the current framework, which requires consultations with various stakeholders—such as citizens, civil society, and religious groups—before implementing major projects. Comparing government decision-making to family dynamics, he suggested that approvals should be streamlined to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
*“This idea of seeking permission from everyone must end,” Junet remarked. “A government cannot request authorization from courts and churches just to install electricity.”
He noted recent controversies, including canceling agreements with the Adani Group to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and energy infrastructure under the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
According to Junet, such projects, which had significant potential, were derailed by public opposition and criticism.
“Recently, you saw the state of our airport,”* he said. *“Investors were ready to assist, but the president withdrew because of public outcry. Where are the critics now? The airport still needs fixing.”
Junet also referenced Tanzania’s ongoing collaboration with the same investor to revamp its airports, questioning why Kenya couldn’t do the same. *“Are our neighbors in Tanzania out of their minds?”* he asked rhetorically.
