Kenya's Privatization Push Draws Fire, Campaigners Warn of "Human Cost" and Threat to Public Services

By John Toris 

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) has issued a stark warning against the government's accelerated privatization program, labelling it a direct threat to equality, jobs, and essential services that will primarily benefit international lenders over ordinary citizens.
PHOTO: Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) National Coordinator Brenda Osoro issuing a press statement today in Nairobi 

The call comes in the wake of the Privatization Bill 2025 being signed into law, a move that targets more than 30 state-owned enterprises in strategic sectors like ports, energy, and water for sale or transfer.

In a press statement, FIA Kenya National Coordinator Brenda Osoro highlighted the profound human impact of the policy. "We must highlight the real human costs; job losses, reduced access to public services, and increased inequality," Osoro stated. She demanded "an immediate moratorium on all privatization of public services and assets" and called for an "open, inclusive debate on Kenya’s economic future."

FIA Kenya's position is that the drive for privatization is heavily influenced by the conditions of Kenya's program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which emphasize "structural reforms" including austerity and the sale of state assets. With Kenya's public debt standing at a staggering Ksh 11.8 trillion—over 65% of GDP—and 66.5% of tax revenue servicing this debt, the government is under significant pressure to raise funds.

"Privatization does not benefit ordinary Kenyans," Osoro asserted. "It increases inequality, reduces public control over our shared resources, and risks making essential services unaffordable for millions. The government and international lenders must prioritize the well-being of all citizens, not just short-term profit or debt targets."

The alliance pointed to Kenya's own history with partial privatizations, such as Kenya Airways and Telkom Kenya, which it says resulted in debt, layoffs, and later required government bailouts, as a cautionary tale.

"The question is urgent," Osoro's statement pressed. "Must we sacrifice our public resources for quick profit, risking the very future of Kenyan society?"

FIA Kenya has laid out a set of key demands, including:

· An immediate halt to all privatization of public services and state assets.
· The protection and expansion of public services, not their sale.
· The rejection of IMF and World Bank loan conditions that require privatization or austerity.
· Full transparency in debt management and privatization contracts.
· A call for debt cancellation and fairer international financial relations.

With key parliamentary and IMF decisions looming, FIA Kenya is urging the media and the public to scrutinize the privatization agenda. They warn that unchecked privatization could rapidly erode the nation's social safety nets and undermine Kenya's resilience to future economic shocks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kenya Diaspora Alliance and KDA Welfare Association Host Impactful 4th Annual Social & Business Networking Event

Image
Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) and the KDA Welfare Association (KWA) hosted the highly anticipated 4th Annual Kenya Diaspora/KWA Social & Business Networking Event on January 2nd, 2025, at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi. The event brought together Kenyan diaspora members from around the world, offering a platform to network, share experiences, and discuss how their collective efforts can advance both their personal interests and the development of Kenya. This year’s event attracted a diverse group of participants from various countries, including South Africa, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Botswana. Local entrepreneurs and professionals also joined the diaspora, creating a vibrant environment focused on building connections and collaborations aimed at strengthening business ties and supporting the nation’s growth. Notable organizations such as ICEA Lion and Britam Asset Management were key partners at this year...
Read more

Inaugural International Religious Freedom Summit Africa Launches in Nairobi

Image
Religious Freedom as a Catalyst for Socioeconomic Development and Peacebuilding Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, 17 June:   Upon the kind invitation from the Chief Justice of Kenya Lady Justice Martha Koome who is the Chief Guest and host, the International Religious Freedom Summit has officially commenced in Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark 3-day event is organized by Pepperdine University and the Religious Freedom Institute, and hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. The summit aims to elevate religious freedom as a foundational pillar for peace, human dignity, and sustainable development across the African continent. Bringing together policymakers and religious leaders from across Africa, the summit underscores the urgent need to protect and promote religious freedom, which organizers highlighted as increasingly under threat across the region. H.E. Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Co-Chair of the IRF Summit, emphasized that Africa requires greater investments of time and talent to adva...
Read more

New Generation Aspirants Unveil Youth-Led Roadmap for a New Kenya

Image
By James Nyaigoti Kenya’s emerging crop of youthful leaders has today  launched a bold political movement aimed at reimagining the country’s future through youth-led leadership, unity, and structural reform. Under the banner New Generation Aspirants (NGA), the diverse coalition of young political hopefuls from across the country presented a unified roadmap for national renewal and transformation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement, dubbed "The New Generation Aspirants Youth Led Roadmap for a New Kenya", drew hundreds of aspirants ranging from grassroots to presidential contenders. Central to the day’s activities was the signing of the Ufungamano Declaration a document committing the coalition to a just, inclusive, and people-centered leadership agenda. “This is our moment” Lavani Miller, co-convener of the NGA forum, delivered a passionate call to action: “We are tired of the status quo. We are tired of a government that continually sidelines its you...
Read more