The Kenyan government is in search of a new director for the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) unit, following the departure of Christopher Kirigua earlier this year. The position has been vacant for the past nine months, and the government has now taken steps to fill this critical role at a time when the need for infrastructure financing is more pressing than ever. The position was advertised by the Public Service Commission, with the new appointee expected to play a key role in shaping the future of PPPs in the country.
In March 2024, President William Ruto replaced Kirigua, appointing him as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC. Kirigua had served as the Director of PPP for four years, a period during which Kenya witnessed significant strides in leveraging private sector investment for infrastructure projects. Now, with the position still vacant, the government is looking for a qualified individual to continue pushing the PPP agenda forward.
The recruitment comes at a time when the government is intensifying its efforts to explore Public-Private Partnerships as a means of financing major infrastructure projects. These initiatives are crucial for addressing the growing financing gaps faced by the country in delivering large-scale development projects, particularly in the transport, energy, and housing sectors. Notably, the government is focused on expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and constructing new power lines to enhance electricity distribution across the country. These are just some of the key projects that are expected to benefit from PPP arrangements in the coming years.
The government has set ambitious targets for infrastructure development. Under the fourth medium-term plan, Kenya aims to raise Sh1.93 trillion from private investors through PPPs to fund infrastructure projects. This is part of the broader strategy to unlock the potential of the private sector and ensure that the country can meet its development goals without placing an undue burden on taxpayers or increasing public debt.
One of the central tenets of President Ruto’s administration is the belief that PPPs offer a win-win solution for both the government and the private sector. He has frequently defended PPPs as a means of financing national development, emphasizing that they allow the government to tap into the efficiency and investment capabilities of the private sector while maintaining public control over essential services. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which has been a major success story, is often cited as an example of how PPPs can help the country implement transformative projects without overburdening citizens with excessive taxes or debt.
However, the government’s pursuit of PPPs has not been without controversy. Recently, President Ruto’s administration canceled a contentious PPP deal with Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate, after the company was indicted for fraud by US prosecutors. The deal, signed in October 2024, had involved a Sh96 billion agreement for the management of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited’s (KETRACO) transmission lines. Additionally, the Adani Group was negotiating a Sh240 billion investment in a 30-year project to manage and upgrade JKIA, including building a new runway and passenger terminal.
This cancellation highlights the risks associated with PPPs, particularly when the private partner is embroiled in legal issues that could jeopardize the success of the project. Despite this setback, the government remains committed to pursuing PPPs as a key strategy for financing national infrastructure. The new director will be tasked with navigating these challenges and ensuring that future PPP deals are carefully vetted and managed to avoid similar controversies.
As the government seeks to attract private investors to fund critical infrastructure projects, the appointment of a new PPP director will be pivotal. The new leader will need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the intricacies of public-private partnerships, as well as the ability to engage with both local and international investors to secure the necessary funding for the country’s ambitious development agenda. With the deadline for applications set for December 24, 2024, the search for a new director is expected to attract significant interest, given the strategic importance of the role in shaping Kenya’s future infrastructure landscape.
