In courts: Ruling on KPC privatisation applications scheduled for today

The High Court in Nairobi is scheduled to deliver a ruling today on applications related to the privatisation of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), following a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK).

On August 15, 2025, Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order halting the sale of KPC shares pending full hearing and determination of the motion brought by COFEK.

The order restrained the National Treasury, the Privatisation Authority, and other respondents from offering for sale, allocating or transferring any KPC shares under the proposed privatisation plan.

The petition challenges the National Treasury’s plan to raise approximately Sh100 billion through the sale of KPC shares via an initial public offering at the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The Cabinet approved the proposal on July 29 during a meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, as part of a broader policy to reduce the government’s role in business and encourage private sector-led growth, efficiency, and innovation.

The government argues that privatisation will bring in private capital and professional expertise to modernise operations and position the firm as a regional logistics and energy leader.

Citing precedents such as Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and KenGen, the Cabinet said these entities thrived after privatisation, expanding regionally, creating jobs, and boosting shareholder value.

Cofek, however, has raised procedural and consequential concerns over the planned sale.