Kenya's Political Alliance Revives Stalled Projects and Infrastructure Funds
A political alliance between Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has revived long-stalled projects. The partnership has pushed through key initiatives, including the privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the launch of a National Infrastructure Fund. Both efforts had faced delays for years due to a lack of political consensus.
President William Ruto has credited the coalition for breaking deadlocks and delivering results since his administration took office in September 2022.
The KPC privatisation plan dates back to President Mwai Kibaki's era, when a Cabinet memo was first drafted. However, progress halted without sufficient political backing. The current government's unity allowed the Initial Public Offering (IPO) to move forward, marking a major step in the company's restructuring.
Another key achievement is the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund. Created through legislation supported by the coalition, the fund targets historical inequalities in development. It specifically aims to address the marginalisation of northern Kenya, a region long overlooked in national planning. Twelve dams have already been identified for funding under the new scheme. Sixty percent of these projects are located in northern Kenya, reflecting the fund's focus on arid and semi-arid areas. The initiative aligns with Sessional Paper Number 10 of 1965, which recognised the need to include underserved regions in national growth strategies. The alliance's impact extends beyond infrastructure. Previously stalled projects, delayed by political divisions, have now gained momentum. Leaders from both sides have emphasised that sustained cooperation remains critical for future progress.
The coalition between Kenya Kwanza and ODM has enabled the completion of delayed projects and the launch of new ones. The KPC privatisation and the National Infrastructure Fund now stand as concrete outcomes of this partnership. Further developments will depend on maintaining the current level of political collaboration.
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