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The announcement of project cancellations has been met with relief from many Kenyans. Public opinion had been growing wary of the deals, primarily due to the lack of transparency and due diligence involved in the bidding processes. Concerns were raised about the accessibility and affordability of the stranded projects, including an expansive airport deal estimated at $1.85 billion and an expansive energy initiative that faced court challenges.
In particular, the opposition to the airport deal highlighted fears around job security for locals and the potential for fiscal risk to the Kenyan population. The intensity of these sentiments has underscored a discontentment with the government's initial rush to approve these major undertakings without adequately engaging in cost-benefit analysis.