Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has expressed her frustration with Kenyans who oppose President William Ruto’s use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to fund infrastructure projects.
Kihika’s post addressed the public’s resistance to borrowing, local taxation increases, and privately-funded development partnerships, which she viewed as a contradiction to the Kenya’s infrastructure goals.
“I 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 PPP’s then you are all up in arms? Then you also don’t want him to raise money internally – Finance Bill!,” she said.
Kihika’s post directly questioned how Kenyans expect critical projects to be completed without increased financial support or partnerships, referring to requests from Nakuru residents for projects like the Rironi-Mau Summit Road dualing, Itaare Dam, and Lanet Airport upgrade.
“You want big things done!!” she exclaimed, adding that the last time she checked, President Ruto was not a magician.
Governor Kihika defended PPPs as a responsible solution to Kenya’s debt constraints.
Echoing President Ruto’s stance, she argued that PPPs would provide the necessary resources without adding debt.
As Kenya balances ambitious development goals with a limited budget, the PPP model has already enabled high-profile projects like the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, which recently attracted Sh12 billion in private investment
In drawing comparisons with international PPP successes, such as the expansions of New York’s JFK Airport, London’s Heathrow, and Istanbul’s airport, Kihika emphasised that such partnerships can deliver the high standards of infrastructure Kenyans seek.
These global examples illustrate how private capital can fulfill public needs sustainably, without compromising fiscal stability.
In her post, Kihika noted a rising trend of negativity in public sentiment, which she argued is counterproductive to Kenya’s development goals.
“We have become extremely negative as a people. Very cynical and dare I say almost unpatriotic,” she concluded.
