A youth-focused organization has urged Parliament to ensure transparency and safeguard public interest in the proposed government divestiture of Safaricom shares.
Represented by Nelly Chepkemoi, WeCare addressed a joint sitting of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatization, calling for independent, multi-firm valuation reports, public disclosure of valuation assumptions, and clear evidence that the long-term benefits of the divestiture outweigh any forgone future revenues.
During the ongoing stakeholder engagement, the organization also recommended that Parliament mandates robust public participation, including simplified disclosures, civic education, and mechanisms to incorporate citizen input into final decisions on the proposed sale.
The committee co-chairs, Francis Kuria Kimani and Abdi Shurie, have already assured the public that consultations will cover at least 26 counties to gather diverse perspectives.
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Chepkemoi emphasized that proceeds from the divestiture should be legally ring-fenced for development-oriented projects that directly benefit the youth, including initiatives in climate resilience, digital infrastructure, and innovation.
To address concerns over data privacy, WeCare proposed binding requirements for data localization, compliance with the Data Protection Act, and strengthened oversight by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner before any approval is granted.
Looking ahead, the organization recommended that Parliament develop a clear, principled framework for divesting public assets, grounded in constitutional values and intergenerational equity, to guide future transactions.
This submission highlights growing public calls for accountability and citizen involvement in decisions regarding state-owned enterprises.
By Obegi Malack
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