In a heated response on her social media platform, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika openly criticized Kenyans for what she described as undue negativity toward President William Ruto’s administration, particularly concerning its economic policies.
Kihika’s remarks came amid growing public disapproval of certain government initiatives, including Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and new financial measures intended to boost infrastructure development.
Expressing her frustration, Kihika questioned the contradictory stance of the Kenyan public.
She highlighted that many Kenyans have opposed both external borrowing and internal revenue generation efforts, leaving the government with few viable alternatives to fund national development projects.
“Ok, good people, am sitting here wondering what Kenyans really want? You don’t want the President to borrow any more money (I get it and prefer he doesn’t too), but when we have willing investors for PPPs, then you are all up in arms?” she stated.
Kihika pointed to the government’s attempt to tap into private sector resources through PPPs as an effective way to address the country’s funding gaps without increasing debt, yet even this approach has met resistance.
Kihika went further, questioning how Kenyans expected the government to fund essential projects without either borrowing or introducing alternative revenue streams.
Referring to the contentious Finance Bill, which sought to raise funds internally, she expressed disbelief at the public’s aversion to policies intended to generate much-needed revenue.
“Then you also don’t want him to raise money internally Finance Bill,” she added.
Kihika underscored the importance of such funding in implementing development initiatives, especially at the county level, where she argued infrastructure investments are most necessary.
Some of Kihika’s critics, however, believe her comments overlook the core issue. Many Kenyans have voiced concerns not with the idea of PPPs but with the transparency and fairness of specific deals, such as the proposed Adani Group agreements involving the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and KETRACO.
Critics worry that such agreements may favor investors at the expense of public interest and that the opaque nature of these negotiations undermines confidence in the government’s intentions.
These concerns stem partly from fears that PPPs could lead to monopolies or high costs that affect ordinary Kenyans without clear public benefits.
Despite Kihika’s insistence on the necessity of these deals, Kenyans are increasingly questioning the terms and long-term impacts of private sector involvement in crucial public assets and infrastructure.
The Adani-JKIA deal, in particular, has raised alarms over foreign control in strategic sectors, with opponents arguing that such agreements could compromise national interests.
Public sentiment appears to favor enhanced transparency and accountability, especially given past instances of corruption and mismanagement in large-scale projects.In her social media post, Kihika pointed out the infrastructure needs within Nakuru County, listing projects that would require substantial investment.
She suggested that without PPPs or borrowing, achieving these developments would be nearly impossible.
Yet her comments have been met with mixed reactions, with many citizens expressing frustration at being labeled unsupportive for seeking more transparency and responsible governance.Governor Kihika’s post highlights a deepening divide between government officials and the public on Kenya’s economic direction.
While the government argues that alternative financing options, including PPPs, are essential to avoid escalating debt, citizens demand clearer communication and accountability in how such deals are structured.
For many Kenyans, the concern is not about opposing economic growth but rather ensuring that the policies in place are genuinely in the national interest.
The debate reflects a broader struggle within Kenya over how best to balance development needs with fiscal responsibility and national sovereignty.
As the government continues to pursue ambitious projects, it faces the challenge of regaining public trust and proving that PPPs and other financial measures will benefit the wider population rather than enrich a few.
Governor Kihika’s words may have been intended to defend government policy, but they have also sparked further calls for a more inclusive, transparent approach to Kenya’s development journey.
