Gov. Susan Kihika Defends Pres Ruto’s Approach to Financing Key Infrastructure Projects Amid Public Backlash
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Governor Susan Kihika has taken to social media to address growing concerns over the government’s strategy to fund vital infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other alternative methods, amidst criticism of the administration’s borrowing and taxation policies.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Governor Kihika posed a critical question to Kenyans: “What do you really want?” Reflecting on the challenges of financing large-scale projects in Nakuru and across Kenya, she emphasized that while many citizens reject additional borrowing and oppose raising funds through internal measures like the Finance Bill, they also demand the completion of significant infrastructure projects.
These include the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, the completion of Itaare Dam, Lanet Airport, and much-needed road network upgrades in Nakuru County.
“We all want big things done,” Kihika wrote. “But where is he [the President] supposed to get this money from?” she asked, highlighting the difficulty in balancing financial limitations with development demands.
Kihika advocated for the government’s use of PPPs, citing successful examples worldwide, such as the multi-billion dollar expansions of airports like JFK, Heathrow, and Istanbul.
She argued that these partnerships could be a viable solution for Kenya, especially when traditional debt limits are nearly exhausted and local revenue collection faces challenges.
According to Kihika, PPPs provide a sustainable pathway to advance Kenya’s infrastructure without further burdening taxpayers.
The Governor’s post drew mixed reactions from the public, with some echoing her sentiments on the necessity of embracing PPPs while others voiced strong concerns over perceived mismanagement and corruption within the government.
Several commenters expressed frustration, not with the concept of PPPs itself, but with how funds have been allocated and managed.
One commenter, P.M. Original, criticized the government for what he termed “false promises, over-taxation, and corruption,” highlighting ongoing issues with the education funding model and the controversial Special Housing Allowance (SHA) program. He questioned the government’s trustworthiness, stating, “Kenyans are tired with this government… ground is hostile; people are suffering.”
Others, such as Archer Ramil, highlighted public skepticism about the government’s handling of funds and the focus on impeachments over pressing citizen concerns. “Even if you use whatever words, hatuwezi agree on this,” he said, urging the administration to address corruption and prioritize realistic goals that align with the country’s financial capabilities.
Leonard Kipngetich urged the government to be transparent and accountable, arguing that the current administration had contributed to a “toxic environment.” He also advised the President to “stop persecuting Gachagua,” a reference to the perceived friction between the Deputy President and the executive branch.
In contrast, some comments were supportive of the PPP strategy. Arap Setluget called it “essential to support sustainable solutions” and urged fellow Kenyans to stop politicizing every government initiative. He stressed the need to embrace “innovative financing methods” to achieve progress, agreeing with Kihika’s call for a collective approach towards development goals.
Kihika’s remarks also touched on what she described as a rising negativity and cynicism among Kenyans, calling it “almost unpatriotic.” She implored citizens to adopt a more constructive perspective and consider the benefits of PPPs in tackling the nation’s infrastructure needs.
Governor Kihika’s post underscores a significant divide between government officials and the public on matters of economic policy, taxation, and development priorities. Her comments come at a time when President William Ruto’s administration is under increasing pressure to fulfill its development promises without resorting to unsustainable borrowing or imposing heavy taxes.
In Nakuru County, where major infrastructure projects are in varying stages of progress, the question of financing remains critical. As the county awaits the completion of projects like the Lanet Airport and Itaare Dam, residents look to the government for solutions that balance development with fiscal responsibility.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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