Susan Kihika's social post sparks debate on public-private partnerships

The debate regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which is a mechanism for the government to procure and implement public infrastructure and services using the resources and expertise of the private sector, has had tongues wagging for the past four months.

Governor Susan Kihika, has also weighed in on the debate, through her Facebook page.

The county boss says she too prefers that the President should not borrow any more money. 

“But when we have willing investors for the PPP’s then you are all up in arms? Then you also don’t want him to raise money internally- Finance Bill,” reads part of the post. 

She also goes ahead to highlight some key projects in Nakuru county that residents want completed. These include the Rironi -Mau Summit Road, the Itare Dam and the Lanet Airport. 

“Where is he (the President) supposed to get this money from. Wouldn’t it make more sense for PPPs to handle some of these very expensive but very necessary infrastructural projects?”

She highlights some of the key projects in other countries that have thrived due to the PPP. Some include the JFK ($9.5 B Terminal 1 and $4.2B Terminal 6), Heathrow (14 B expansion) and Istanbul ($ 12 B new airport) 

“As we face limits on debts and local resources collection mechanisms face challenges, it’s time to embrace sustainable development solutions such as PPPs for Kenya’s infrastructure growth. Let us maximize local resource mobilization and PPP for a prosperous future” she concludes.

In the comment section there are those who seem to agree with the sentiments of the Governor. 

 Jackson Okata says “Makes lots of sense Madam Susan Kihika. Sadly, we have a population that seems to have decided, albeit out of emotions to oppose anything the government does or proposes to do, whether good or otherwise.”  

Hon Joyce Korir Bomet conquers with Jackson saying, “Leadership is so challenging......they must accept change for the change starts with you and me!”

Arap Setluget says “Enough said Your Excellency. It's essential for us to support sustainable solutions like Public-Private Partnerships to drive our infrastructure development and stop politicizing everything. We can't expect big changes without being open to innovative financing methods. Embracing these partnerships can help us achieve the progress we all want to see in Kenya.”

On the same breath, there are those who completely disagree with her.

Alex Wachira Njeri says, “I love that you understand that Kenyans are facing a lot of hardships. But I do not entirely agree with you. Kenyans want accountability before we fix other things as Kenyans let's deal with corruption. When corruption is dealt with the rest will fall in place. The government should not force projects in Kenya the reasons as to why these things are being forced and done in a very rapid manner it means that there is a hidden agenda”.

Mwalimu Kabetes Kibet brings in the aspect of hard economic times.

“You only need to ask Kenyans how much they are saving leave alone spending on food and basics to know that this government is getting it all wrong” he says. 

Alex Nditoh, on his end would want the issue of corruption to be addressed. 

“Susan Kihika, Kenyans are not against borrowing, finance Bill or PPPs, Kenyans are simply asking for accountability of our monies, Let him deal with corruption before anything else. PERIOD!” he says. 

The debate rages on.