A section of lawmakers from the United Opposition has strongly opposed the privatization of the Kenya Pipeline Company, insisting that such strategic entities must remain under public ownership.
The MPs led by deputy minority leader Robert Mbui, Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), and Stephen Mule (Matungulu), spoke moments after the National Assembly approved a joint report from the Energy Committee and the Public Debt and Privatization Committee, recommending privatization of Kenya Pipeline.
MP Mbui asserted that the issue was sneaked in parliament without proper notice. He stated that the opposition will move to court to block the sale of the country’s fuel distribution network to a private investor.
“According to our Standing Orders, members must be made aware before the Order Paper is introduced. This specific issue of KPC was sneaked in after 3 pm in the supplementary Order Paper,” MP Mbui said.
“As united opposition, we are going to court to block the sale of this national asset,” he added.
On his part, Kigumo legislator Joseph Munyoro claimed a section of opposition MPs were deliberately denied a chance to contribute on the issue during the parliamentary debate, adding that the process took a record time 28 minutes.
He alleged that the government is planning to give out KPC for Ksh100 billion, less than its original value and less than what was initially invested.
“We need arbitration by the Judiciary. We must call out the House leadership for not giving members equal opportunity to debate the issue,” he stated.
However, MPs allied to the government defended the sale, saying that it will enhance efficiency and increase profitability.
National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichungwa noted that the government will still control 35 per cent of the company.
“The Government will still maintain control because no single investor will acquire the entire 65 per cent. Majority shareholding will remain with the State even as we allow public participation. I invite Kenyans to start saving in preparation to buy shares in this company, this is a good buy,” Ichung’wah said.
