Former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has spoken in support of a government proposal to privatize the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
In July, President William Ruto revealed the government’s plan to list KPC shares at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, subject to Cabinet and Parliamentary approval.
However, on August 15, the High Court issued interim orders halting the government from going ahead with the planned sale.
Addressing the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting on Monday, Raila backed the initiative, insisting that even under private ownership, KPC would still remain a national resource.
He argued that proceeds from the sale would help the country raise funds for investment and reduce its debt burden.
“I want to thank Treasury CS John Mbadi for highlighting these matters. He mentioned disposing of some assets, including Kenya Pipeline Corporation. KPC runs underground from Mombasa to Nairobi — even if you sell it, where can anyone take it? It remains within Kenya as an asset. If someone wants to buy, let them buy,” Raila said.
He further drew parallels to the UK, recalling Margaret Thatcher’s position when foreign investors expressed interest in historic buildings. “She said, even if they buy Buckingham Palace, it cannot be taken away; it remains there as a national asset. Similarly, let us sell KPC to generate money for investment instead of relying on loans.”
KPC, a key player in Kenya’s fuel distribution network, has consistently reported strong profits.
The government has maintained that privatisation would inject private investment and expertise, modernising operations and positioning KPC as a regional logistics and energy powerhouse.
But in his August ruling, Justice Bahati Mwamuye barred the Treasury, the Privatisation Authority, and other state bodies from selling, allocating, or transferring KPC shares until a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) is fully heard and resolved.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the petitioner’s application dated August 14, 2025, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents and interested parties, directly or indirectly, from selling, allocating, disposing of, transferring, or otherwise dealing with any shares of Kenya Pipeline Company Limited under the contested privatisation plan that is the subject of this petition,” the judge ordered.
