Mumias East MP Peter Kalerwa Salasya has questioned the government’s current economic policy direction, warning that Kenya’s strategic assets could be weakened if the administration continues on what he described as a path toward aggressive privatization.
In a statement posted on X, the first-term MP accused President William Ruto’s leadership of taking actions that may undermine the value of public enterprises built over decades.
Salasya argued that Kenya’s economic progress has historically depended on preserving and expanding state assets that anchor sectors such as telecommunications, transport, and infrastructure.
He cited the administrations of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta as periods when key institutions were strengthened and major investments were made in ICT and national infrastructure. According to him, that foundation should guide today’s policy choices.
In his statement, Salasya claimed that the current government is treating national corporations and public resources as items available for disposal.
He said this approach contradicts Kenya’s long-term development goals and risks reversing gains achieved under previous regimes.
His remarks come at a time when debates around the management of state corporations have resurfaced, particularly as the government explores restructuring several parastatals.
The MP pledged to oppose any proposals in Parliament that, in his view, threaten the stability or integrity of Kenya’s strategic investments.
“As long as I sit in Parliament, I will oppose any attempt to sell, weaken, or compromise Kenya’s strategic assets,” he said in the statement. He added that elected leaders have a responsibility to protect institutions that contribute to economic security and national cohesion.
Salasya’s comments echo concerns raised periodically during transitions between administrations, particularly when discussions emerge about reforming large state-owned entities.
Kenya has previously experienced public debate on the role of privatization, especially during the liberalization era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when economic reforms reshaped sectors such as telecommunications and energy.
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