Kirinyaga residents take cautionary stance on Safaricom shares divestiture, say proceeds should prioritise agriculture, education & health

Kirinyaga County residents have raised concerns over the proposed partial divestiture of the Government of Kenya’s shares in Safaricom, particularly over the possibility of Vodacom emerging as the largest shareholder.

Speaking during a public participation forum on Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025, residents questioned the long-term impact of the proposed sale on Safaricom’s infrastructure and the continuity of essential services.

They sought assurances that the divestiture would not compromise public control, data security, or service delivery.

Participants also called for transparency in the valuation and negotiation process, urging Parliament to provide a detailed report on the existing and proposed infrastructure.

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Some residents cautioned against rushing the sale, proposing that alternative financing options be explored.

Additionally, the residents emphasized that any funds generated from the sale should be directed toward priority sectors, notably education, health, and agriculture. They noted that these sectors have a direct impact on livelihoods and should take precedence over other development projects.

The issue of public interest and control featured prominently, with residents insisting that citizen welfare must remain central to any decision involving strategic national assets.

By Juma Ndigo

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