The Ministry of Treasury’s push to privatise the Kenya International Conference Center and 10 other state-owned enterprises has suffered a setback. High Court judge, Justice Chacha Mwita has issued conservatory orders in response to a case filed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending implementation of section 21(1) of the Privatisation Act 2023 and or any decisions made pursuant to that section, until February 6, 2024, given under my hand and seal of the Honourable court this 4th Day of December 2023,” Mwita’s directive stated.
‘Jumpstarting the economy’
The government’s plan included the privatisation of 11 state-owned entities including the Kenya Pipeline Company and KICC.
Others listed for sale include New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), Kenya Seed Company Limited (KSC), and the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK).
President William Ruto on November 23, announced plans to privatize 35 state-owned companies, in a bid to jumpstart the country’s economy.
The President made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the African Stock Exchanges Association’s annual meeting in Nairobi.
The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u on November 27 proceeded to unveil the 2023 Privatization Programme. In the programme, Professor Njuguna listed the first tranche of 11 state-owned corporations that were set to be privatized.
Opposition to planned ‘privatization’
However, this did not go down well with a section of Kenyans and some vocal politicians.
“President William Ruto has surrendered to the IMF and World Bank at the expense of Kenyans’ interests,” stated Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
“We will oppose the programme the International Monetary Fund has endorsed for the government to sell at least 10 public corporations, including KICC, to private entities,” Omtatah added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna known for his firebrand politics also took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his opposition.
“If ever there was a matter over which a referendum was mandatory then it’s the sale of National Assets like KICC, KPC and the others,” Sifuna stated.
“One generation of greedy leaders cannot just strip a nation of its assets without reference to the people. On this one, even our children should vote because KICC is not even our property as the current generation of adults!” Sifuna added.
