The National Treasury has asked Kenyans to share their views on the planned privatization of eleven struggling parastatals including the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre – KICC.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung’u made the announcement on Tuesday, December 5, hours after the court suspended the sale.
At the same time, the call for views came in the wake of widespread uproar from Kenyans.
“Pursuant to the Constitution, the Privatization Act 2023 and all other relevant legislation, the National Treasury invites members of the public to submit written comments and/or input/memoranda on the 2023 Privatization Programme,” read the notice.
Further the Ministry directed Kenyans to access the required Privatization Programme materials from the Treasury Website.
“The National Treasury and Economic Planning has prepared the 2023 Privatization Programme in accordance with the Privatization Act 2023.
The Programme can be accessed from The National Treasury website,” read the Notice in part.
Also Read: KICC, Kenya Pipeline Among 11 State Companies Listed for Privatization
Likewise, Kenyans are asked to hand-deliver their suggestions or send them electronically to the ministry before December 11.
“Send them electronically to [email protected] or through post or hand-delivered to the following address on or before of close of business on Monday 11th December 2023,” read the notice.
In addition, Treasury asked Kenyans to attend and share their comments on the planned Privatization at venues and dates provided on the website.
Members of the Public can also join a virtual meeting via a link provided on the said Programme.
Court Suspends sale of KICC and 10 Others
On the other hand, on Monday December 4, the High Court suspended the government’s plan to privatize KICC and 10 other state corporations.
The Orange Democratic movement went to court to block the sale, citing several issues.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the order after ODM through Advocate Jackson Awele said the public was not allowed to give its views regarding the Privatization Act which made it easier to sell the state enterprises to private companies.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the implementation of section 21 (1) of the Privatization Act 2023 or any decisions made pursuant to that section, until 6th February 2024,” reads the order granted by the Judge.
According to the ODM party, Kenyans must decide the sale of the loss-making state firms through a referendum.
What’s more, on October 9, President William Ruto assented to the Privatization Bill, 2023.
The piece of legislation repealed the Privatization Act, of 2005 and introduced several provisions.
According to the bill, the Act is to grant the Executive arm of government sweeping powers to dispose of prized assets comprised of Kenya’s sovereign wealth.
List of Sale
Among the parastatals lined-up for sale include Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK), Kenya Seed Company Limited (KSC), and Mwea Rice Mills Ltd (MRM).
Also Read: Meet the Kenyan Man Who Designed KICC
Additionally, the list also comprises Western Kenya Rice Mills Ltd (WKRM), Numerical Machining Complex Limited (NMC), 35% of Vehicle Manufacturers Limited (KVM), and Rivatex East Africa Limited (REAL).
