The High Court has halted the sale of 11 state-owned parastatals, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), following a challenge by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Raila argued that the sale should be subjected to a referendum due to the strategic importance of the firms, which have a combined value of Sh200 billion.
High Court Judge Chacha Mwita ruled that the petition raises constitutional and legal issues that require examination.
Opposition has been directed to serve the petition to relevant parties, and a conservatory order has been issued suspending the implementation of the Privatisation Act until February 6, 2024.
The opposition leader said that the privatisation of these assets must involve public consent through a referendum, as the Act grants excessive powers to the Cabinet Secretary and the Executive.
Raila further argued that the Act lacks sufficient security guarantees, checks and balances for the integrity of the privatisation programs.
In addition to KICC, other companies slated for privatisation include Kenya Pipeline Company, New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, Kenya Literature Bureau, National Oil Corporation of Kenya, Kenya Seed Company Limited, Mwea Rice Mills Ltd, Western Kenya Rice Mills Ltd, Numerical Machining Complex Limited, Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited, and Rivatex East Africa Limited.
