National Treasury Kenya plans to list seven additional assets owned by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for investment under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements, as the government deepens its shift toward private financing of infrastructure.
The new portfolio of port-linked facilities is expected to be offered to private investors as part of efforts to modernise key logistics infrastructure and ease pressure on public finances.
The move forms part of a broader strategy by Kenyan authorities to attract private capital into critical sectors such as transport, energy and logistics, amid constrained fiscal space and rising debt concerns.
Officials say PPP structures — including long-term concessions — will allow private firms to finance, upgrade and operate strategic assets, particularly within the country’s main maritime gateways.
Previous proposals have included leasing facilities at major ports such as Mombasa and Lamu to private operators for extended periods, with the aim of improving efficiency and expanding cargo-handling capacity.
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The latest plan comes as Kenya ramps up its PPP pipeline, which already includes dozens of projects at various stages of development. Authorities are targeting increased private sector participation to support infrastructure delivery while limiting reliance on public borrowing.
The port assets are expected to play a central role in strengthening regional trade, given Kenya’s position as a key gateway for East and Central Africa. Upgrades to port infrastructure are seen as essential to handling rising cargo volumes and improving connectivity along major trade corridors.
Analysts say the initiative reflects a growing trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly turning to PPPs to bridge infrastructure financing gaps.
However, such deals have not been without controversy in Kenya. Previous attempts to involve private investors in strategic state assets have faced legal, political and public scrutiny, particularly over transparency, valuation and long-term concession terms.
Concerns have also been raised about regulatory and legal risks, following court rulings that have complicated aspects of the country’s privatisation framework, even as PPP processes continue under existing laws.
Despite these challenges, the government maintains that expanding PPPs is critical to sustaining economic growth, improving service delivery and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya’s logistics sector.
Investors are expected to closely watch the rollout of the new KPA asset listings, as they could signal both the scale of opportunity and the risks associated with infrastructure partnerships in one of East Africa’s largest economies.
