Anthony Kibagendi claims govt has undervalued Kenya Pipeline at Ksh100B
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 24, 2025Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi has joined the growing list of leaders opposing the proposed privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), accusing President William Ruto’s administration of undervaluing the asset.
Speaking during a church service at Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM) in Donholm, Embakasi East, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Kibagendi claimed that the government had priced the company at Ksh100 billion instead of its actual value of Ksh600 billion.
“Kenya Pipeline is valued at 600 billion Kenya shillings. You have undervalued it to 100 billion, and we shall not allow you to sell it for a shilling,” Kibagendi said.
He went on to criticise the government for what he described as poor management of key sectors, including health, education and infrastructure. He singled out the collapse of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which he argued had failed to deliver results.
“William Ruto na marafiki wake waliharibu NHIF. Sasa wameleta SHA. Iyo SHA mmeona ikifanya kazi kweli?” he asked the congregation.
Privatisation debate heats up
Kibagendi’s remarks come at a time when there is a debate about approval for the privatisation of the strategic state corporation.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya earlier announced he would vote against the proposal, insisting that no amount of pressure or inducement would change his mind.
“Kura ni yangu, and it’s my choice that I will oppose it,” Salasya said earlier in the week.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also cautioned the government, warning that selling KPC would endanger Kenya’s sovereignty and deny citizens revenue from one of the country’s most profitable enterprises.
The High Court has issued temporary orders stopping the planned sale until ongoing petitions are heard and determined. Critics argue that the process lacks transparency and public participation, while supporters, including Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, maintain that privatisation is a global norm that can attract private capital and improve efficiency.
For now, the future of KPC remains uncertain, with political leaders, the courts and Kenyans sharply divided over whether the company should remain fully in public hands or be opened up to private investors.