Parliament approves sale of 65% Kenya Pipeline shares as Government targets Ksh100B, opposition vows court battle

Kenyan Members of Parliament have approved the sale of a majority stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), sparking sharp divisions in the House.

In a heated Wednesday afternoon session, lawmakers passed Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2025, paving the way for the government to sell 65% of KPC shares. The Treasury projects the sale will raise Ksh100 billion to ease the Ksh870 billion budget deficit in the 2025/2026 financial year.

However, Opposition MPs condemned the process as rushed and lacking a legal foundation. Led by Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Onemus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North) and Stephen Mule (Matungulu), they argued that the motion was sneaked into the House through a supplemental order paper without prior notice.

“This has been introduced when members are not present, when members are unaware,” Mbui said, vowing to challenge the move in court.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the decision, saying privatization through initial public offerings (IPOs) would strengthen corporate governance and allow Kenyans to invest directly in strategic state firms.

“KPC remains a critical investment, but IPOs provide an opportunity to improve governance, boost profitability and enhance efficiency,” Ichung’wah told the House.

The approval marks a critical step in the government’s privatization agenda, but with lawsuits looming, the fate of the KPC sale remains uncertain.