Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for stricter oversight of Kenya’s public finances, warning that mismanagement and hurried privatisation of strategic assets threaten the country’s economic stability.
The remarks came on Monday during the launch of the People’s Audit report, a collaborative assessment by TISA, the Okoa Uchumi Campaign, and other civil society partners.
Addressing the gathering, Kalonzo highlighted the challenges posed by Kenya’s rising debt, which now exceeds KSh 12.5 trillion.
He stressed that the figure reflects more than financial statistics, noting its direct impact on households, businesses, and county governments.
“The audit shows that debt has grown through reckless borrowing, inflated or incomplete projects, and weakened institutions,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader also raised concerns about the proposed sale of key national assets, including Safaricom shares, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and the Kenya Pipeline Company.
He described these moves as lacking transparency and public participation, and warned they could undermine constitutional safeguards.
“Kenya’s inheritance cannot be auctioned off,” Kalonzo emphasized, advocating for a structured, transparent approach to privatisation that prioritises national interest.
In addition to debt and asset management, Kalonzo outlined reforms necessary for restoring accountability.
He called for empowering Parliament to exercise genuine oversight, safeguarding watchdog institutions like the Auditor-General, Controller of Budget, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission from political interference, and reforming procurement to eliminate ghost projects and inflated contracts.
The People’s Audit report aims to provide citizens with an unfiltered view of Kenya’s fiscal and governance challenges, highlighting the everyday struggles caused by poor financial management.
Kalonzo underlined that the issues outlined are not political but essential for the country’s survival and long-term growth.