Sifuna Explains What Kenyans Must Know Before Ruto Signs Investment Deals

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for transparency in investment agreements, saying Kenyans must understand their rights before the government enters into deals with investors. In remarks shared in a Facebook video, Sifuna said attracting investors should not come at the expense of protecting citizens.

“Ruto, we do not need investors at the expense of transparency. We want openness in investors’ contracts so that we can know what the rights of the people are,” Sifuna said in Kiswahili.

His comments come amid a dispute over the proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu and the agreement between the Kenyan government and the Dangote Group. The project was launched in September, with President William Ruto backing it as an investment.

Sifuna has questioned why Parliament has not been given details of the agreement or informed about the commitments Kenya has made to support the project. He says lawmakers and the public need information about deals that could affect the country.

The senator has cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which gives citizens the right to access information held by the State. It also requires the government to publish important information affecting the nation.

Ruto has defended the investment and urged Sifuna to follow parliamentary procedures to obtain the agreement. The President has accused critics of seeking to frustrate or extort the investor, claims disputed by those demanding disclosure.

The debate has raised questions about how Kenya negotiates large investment projects, the terms agreed with private companies and the protections provided to local communities.

Sifuna has maintained that he is not opposed to development or foreign investment. He argues that Kenyans should know what the country is agreeing to and how such projects may affect their rights.

The government has not addressed all the concerns raised by the senator about the agreement.

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