As the joint Committees of Finance and Public Debt continue to gather views from Kenyans on the impending sale of Government shares in Safaricom PLC, MPs have vowed to address all concerns raised with the matter before writing its report. 

Speaking in Vihiga County today, a delegation led by Hon. (Dr.) Daniel Manduku MP, (Nyaribari Masaba) has committed to ensure that views given to them on the proposed sale are extensively captured and addressed as expected of them by Kenyans. 

“ I urge you to trust in us as your representatives. We have heard you and shall ensure that what you’ve said is captured in our report to the National Assembly.” Stated Hon. Manduku. 

The Chairperson of the Public Debt and Privatization Committee; Hon. Abdi Shuriye MP, (Mbalambala) emphasized the seriousness with which they consider the matter. 

“Our duty is to convey your sentiments to the National Assembly, we have heard your concerns as well as suggestions.” He said. Adding that, “I can assure you that your participation in today’s forum has been impactful in our path towards making this decision as a House.”

While addressing the participants’ concerns with the choice of Vodacom as a buyer, Hon. Shuriye reference an assurance given to the Committee by Treasury CS Hon. John Mbadi. 

“His explanation was the price difference, where Vodacom shall buy at a premium of Kshs. 34, higher than the current market rate of kshs. 29.” He explained. 

According to the Chairman, Treasury CS assured MPs that the Kenyan Law will safeguard the interest of Kenyans from exploitation by the foreign company.

Karachuonyo MP, Hon. Adipo Okuome echoed the Legislators’ sentiments, and explained that the sale proposal came from the Executive, specifically the National Treasury. 

“As MPs it is our duty to engage the members of public and implement whatever it is you ask of us.” Said Hon. Okuome. “We have noted your concerns on the safety of the fund, and we share these sentiments as your representatives.”

“Why sell a profit making company as opposed to those making losses and costing the government money in each budget cycle?” Posed George, a member of the Civil Society.
A majority of the participants opposed to the sale expressed concerns with the choice of giving majority shares to a foreign company, implications on the Safaricom School Scholarship programme, fairness in allocation of infrastructure to be developed, corruption, and the legal frameworks that will safeguard the Fund. 

Godwel Obonyo asked, “how does the government intend to spread the benefits of this sale across all citizens?”  
While Jameson indicated that a foreign company owning and controlling Safaricom will compromise its independence. 

Those in support told the MPs that it will among other things: reduce tax burden, improve road networks, and create more employment. 

“There are no industries in Vihiga, we need factories to create employment for our people.  The sale must prioritize marginalized areas .” Implored  Rachel Adika.

As the joint Committees of Finance and Public Debt & Privatization continue to gather views from Kenyans on the impending sale of 15% Government shares in Safaricom PLC, MPs have vowed to address all concerns raised with the matter before writing its report. 

Speaking in Vihiga County today, a delegation led by Hon. (Dr.) Daniel Manduku MP, (Nyaribari Masaba) committed to ensure that views given to them on the proposed sale are extensively captured and addressed as expected of them by Kenyans. 

“ I urge you to trust in us as your representatives. We have heard you and shall ensure that what you’ve said is captured in our report to the National Assembly.” Stated Hon. Manduku. 

The Chairperson of the Public Debt and Privatization Committee Hon. Abdi Shuriye MP, (Mbalambala) emphasized the seriousness with which they consider the matter. 

“Our duty is to convey your sentiments to the National Assembly, we have heard your concerns as well as suggestions.” He said. Adding that, “I can assure you that your participation in today’s forum has been impactful in our path towards making this decision as a House.”

While addressing the participants’ concerns with the choice of Vodacom as a buyer, Hon. Shuriye referenced an assurance given to the Committee by Treasury CS Hon. John Mbadi. 

“His explanation was the price difference, where Vodacom shall buy each share at a premium rate of Kshs. 34, higher than the current market rate of kshs. 29.” He explained. 

According to the Chairman, Treasury CS assured MPs that the Kenyan Law will safeguard the interest of Kenyans from exploitation by the foreign company.

Karachuonyo MP, Hon. Adipo Okuome echoed the Legislators’ sentiments, and explained that the sale proposal came from the Executive, specifically the National Treasury. 

“As MPs it is our duty to engage the members of public and implement whatever it is you ask of us.” Said Hon. Okuome. “We have noted your concerns on the safety of the fund, and we share these sentiments as your representatives.”

“Why sell a profit making company as opposed to those making losses and costing the government money in each budget cycle?” Posed George, a member of the Civil Society.

A majority of the participants opposed to the sale expressed concerns with the choice of giving majority shares to a foreign company, implications on the Safaricom School Scholarship programme, fairness in allocation of infrastructure to be developed, corruption, and the legal frameworks that will safeguard the Fund. 

Godwel Obonyo asked, “how does the government intend to spread the benefits of this sale across all citizens?”  

While Jameson indicated that a foreign company owning and controlling Safaricom will compromise its independence. 

Those in support told the MPs that it will among other things: reduce tax burden, improve road networks, and create more employment. 

“There are no industries in Vihiga, we need factories to create employment for our people.  The sale must prioritize marginalized areas .” Implored  Rachel Adika.