Ruto Blow as Court Blocks Privatization of KICC, Kenya Pipeline, and Nine Other State Corporations

In a significant ruling on April 15, 2025, the Kenyan Court of Appeal delivered a major setback to the government’s plan to privatize eleven key state-owned enterprises, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the Kenya Pipeline Company. The court rejected the government’s application to suspend a prior judgment that halted the privatization process, emphasizing the need to protect public interest and prevent irreversible consequences.

The privatization initiative, which also targeted entities such as the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, National Oil Corporation of Kenya, and Rivatex East Africa Limited, among others, aimed to transfer ownership of these state corporations to private entities. The government argued that privatization would enhance efficiency and reduce fiscal burdens. However, the plan faced strong opposition, with critics arguing that these institutions are either natural monopolies or hold strategic national importance.

The High Court had previously issued an order in December 2023, following a petition by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, temporarily suspending the sale of these parastatals. The government sought to lift this suspension, claiming it hindered economic reforms, but the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling.

In their judgment, the appellate judges underscored that no compelling evidence was presented to justify the immediate privatization of these entities. They noted that allowing the sales to proceed during the appeal process could lead to the disposal of critical assets, with potentially irreversible consequences for Kenya’s economy and public welfare. The court stated, “Public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal,” highlighting concerns over the transfer of functions and costs that privatization might entail.

The judges further emphasized that some of the targeted corporations operate as inherent monopolies or are vital to national interests. Selling them prematurely, they argued, could undermine Kenya’s strategic and economic stability.

This decision marks a critical moment in Kenya’s ongoing debate over privatization and the role of state-owned enterprises. It reinforces the judiciary’s role in scrutinizing government policies to ensure they align with public interest. For now, the privatization process remains on hold pending the outcome of the appeal, giving stakeholders time to evaluate the broader implications of such a policy shift.

Legal analysts suggest that the ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving the privatization of public assets. It highlights the importance of transparency, public participation, and robust justification when the government seeks to divest state-owned entities.

As the appeal process continues, attention will turn to the substantive arguments on both sides. The government will need to demonstrate that privatization serves a compelling public interest, while opponents will likely focus on the strategic value of retaining these institutions under state control. The outcome of this case could shape Kenya’s economic policy for years to come, influencing how the nation balances fiscal reforms with the preservation of its national assets.

For businesses, investors, and legal professionals, this development underscores the complexities of navigating Kenya’s privatization landscape. Staying informed about the appeal’s progress will be crucial for those with interests in the affected sectors.