Members of Parliament drawn from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, together with their counterparts from the Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatisation, are today holding public participation forums in Homabay and Mombasa counties on the government’s proposed partial divestiture of its shareholding in Safaricom PLC.
The forums form part of deliberations on Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025, which outlines the government’s plan to reduce its stake in one of Kenya’s most consequential companies.
What is under discussion?
Lawmakers are seeking public views on the proposed partial sale, including its economic impact, the intended use of proceeds and the long-term implications for the telecommunications giant.
Key areas of engagement include the effect of the divestiture on Safaricom’s strategic direction, how the funds raised would be deployed and what the move could mean for ordinary Kenyans — from investors and mobile money users to employees and suppliers.
The proposal has drawn national attention given Safaricom’s central role in Kenya’s economy, particularly in digital payments, connectivity and innovation.
Why it matters
The government’s stake in Safaricom has historically generated significant dividend income for the Exchequer. Any reduction in shareholding could alter revenue flows to the Treasury while also potentially broadening private or institutional ownership.
Parliamentarians are expected to gather views on whether the divestiture strengthens public finances, enhances efficiency and competitiveness, or raises concerns about control of strategic national assets.
The committees say public input will inform their recommendations to Parliament before any final decision is made.
Where the forums are taking place
Residents in Mombasa County are being engaged at Tononoka Social Hall, while those in Homabay County are attending sessions at Governor’s Park.
The joint committees have urged citizens in both counties to attend and present their views, emphasising that public participation is a constitutional requirement in major fiscal and privatisation decisions.
With the outcome likely to shape the future of one of Kenya’s largest listed companies, lawmakers say citizen input will be critical in determining the way forward.
Residents of the two counties have been encouraged to attend the deliberations and make their voices heard.
