Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya is preparing to privatise several state-owned enterprises as part of a sweeping economic reform aimed at stimulating private sector investment and reducing the government’s financial burden, President William Ruto announced.
Speaking at a business forum on Monday, President Ruto said the government is committed to creating a more competitive and efficient economy by reducing its footprint in areas where the private sector can operate more effectively.
“We are opening up space for private investors to come in where the government has no business being,” Ruto declared. “This will enhance productivity, improve service delivery, and help us manage our debt more responsibly.”
The move comes amid growing concerns over Kenya’s rising public debt, which has placed pressure on government finances and limited its capacity to invest in critical sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
The government has identified over 30 state-owned enterprises that could be eligible for privatisation. These include parastatals in energy, transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. Though a full list has not yet been published, the Kenya Pipeline Company, Kenya Ports Authority, and various sugar companies are reported to be under review.
Privatisation, Ruto said, will not only unlock capital for reinvestment in essential services but also improve efficiency by introducing profit-driven management practices.
The process will be overseen by the newly restructured Privatisation Commission, which was recently strengthened through legislation to accelerate the sale of non-strategic state firms.
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