Embu Residents Support Safaricom Divestiture, Urge Government to Account for Use of Funds

Speaking during a public participation forum, the residents said the divestiture could help the government raise much-needed revenue for development projects while easing pressure caused by rising public borrowing. However, they emphasized that the success of the exercise will largely depend on how open and accountable the entire process is, particularly on how the proceeds will be utilized.

The residents warned that any lack of transparency could lead to loss of public funds and erode public confidence in the divestiture.

Lincoln Kithaka from Mbeere South said he supports the move, noting that it could unlock funds for critical infrastructure projects. He stressed that the government must ensure the process is clean, credible, and free from corruption.

Auriria Igoki, also from Mbeere South, echoed similar sentiments, saying the divestiture is beneficial only if strict oversight mechanisms are put in place. She added that openness in the sale and bidding process would reassure Kenyans that the exercise is genuinely meant to serve the public interest.

Joseph Ndwiga from Ngunda Ward said the partial divestiture could help strengthen government finances but called for full transparency in the bidding process.

 Ndwiga urged the government to publicly disclose who places bids and who eventually emerges successful, noting that while public declaration of the sale is a good step, accountability must be maintained throughout the entire process.

The residents concluded that while they support the divestiture, corruption should not be condoned at any stage, warning that misuse of funds would defeat the intended benefits and result in losses to the government and the public at large.