Parliamentary Committee Launches Portal for Public Views on Proposed Safaricom Share Sale

A joint parliamentary committee has launched an online portal to receive public submissions on the proposed divestiture of the Government’s shareholding in Safaricom, marking a key step in public participation on one of Kenya’s most significant privatization proposals.

The portal was unveiled by the co-chairpersons of the Joint Committee considering the Sessional Paper on the proposed divestiture, Hon. (FCPA) Francis Kuria Kimani, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, and Hon. Abdi Shurie, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatisation.

Speaking during the launch, the two legislators urged members of the public, stakeholders, and interested parties to submit their views on the proposed sale, which the government estimates could generate up to KSh 204 billion to support key national infrastructure projects.

Hon. Kimani said the committee is keen to ensure transparency, accountability, and broad-based consultation in the process, noting that public input will play a critical role in shaping Parliament’s consideration of the proposal.

“This portal provides an accessible platform for Kenyans to express their views on the proposed divestiture, which is a matter of national interest,” he said.

Hon. Abdi Shurie added that the submissions received through the portal will be considered alongside views collected during ongoing stakeholder engagements, which officially commenced on Thursday.

The Joint Committee comprises members drawn from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatisation. It is mandated to review the Sessional Paper and make recommendations to Parliament on the way forward.

Members of the public can access the portal by scanning the Quick Response (QR) code provided by the committee, enabling them to submit their views electronically within the stipulated timelines.

The proposed divestiture of the Government’s shareholding in Safaricom has generated widespread public interest, with supporters citing potential fiscal benefits and critics raising concerns over strategic assets, making public participation a central component of the parliamentary review process.