The National Treasury and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) face a delicate assessment of proposals for power infrastructure worth up to Sh65 billion. Among the interested parties is Pabari Investments.
Pabari Investments submitted a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) for several transmission lines and a substation. It currently operates under a court order blocking liquidation.
The order has prevented Absa Bank Mauritius from pursuing recovery of a disputed debt. This protection has lasted five years since a 2021 Mombasa High Court decision.
Three other companies also lodged similar proposals with KETRACO. They include Encomm Power Rental Solutions Ltd and AEE Power Ventures S.L. The projects target expanded electricity transmission.
Pabari's bid covers specific lines and the Voi 400/132kV substation. These include routes linking Kiambere to Rabai, Mutomo to Makindu, and other areas up to 2031.
The Court of Appeal permitted a challenge to the 2021 ruling in December 2025. Pabari sought protection in January 2021 after the bank acted on assets.
The case returns to Mombasa High Court on July 30 for mention. Public Private Partnership (PPP) Act 2021 rules may block evaluation if insolvency issues persist.
The PPP Directorate must verify proposers are not insolvent or in legal proceedings. KETRACO published notice of the PIPs on Tuesday without granting approval.
Acting Managing Director Kipkemoi Kibias confirmed the process is preliminary. Due diligence will cover legal status, technical ability and financial capacity for each bid.
Ownership ties link Pabari Investments to Kwale International Sugar Company Ltd. Both share directors, shareholders and offices in Baba Dogo.
Kwale International Sugar Company won a Sh24 billion court award against the government last year. The ruling involved a breached sublease from 2007.
Disputes over land occupation by squatters complicated the sugar project. Senator Tabitha Mutinda publicly noted the ownership connection in 2024.
This case tests how authorities apply PPP rules to complex bids. KETRACO forwarded proposals for review. Outcomes could shape future private power investments.
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