President William Ruto has reappointed Feisal Abass as the non-executive Chairperson of the Privatisation Commission.
The appointment was formalised through a gazette notice dated July 18, which revealed he will hold the position for the next three years.
"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 5(1)(a) of the Privatisation Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, reappoint Feisal Abass to be the non-executive Chairperson of the Privatisation Commission," the notice read in part.
The reappointment sets the stage for continued reforms in Kenya’s public sector as the government pushes forward with its ambitious asset possession agenda.
The Commission plays a key role in advising the government on the privatisation of public assets and state-owned enterprises. It was established as a corporate body under the Privatisation Act 2005.
It is tasked with formulating, managing, and implementing Kenya’s privatisation programme as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and boost economic performance.
Abass, who had previously served in the same capacity from July 2022 after being appointed by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, returns to lead the Commission at a time of intensified focus on privatisation.
Speaking at the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday, July 2, President William Ruto said privatisation is a tool for improving efficiency and attracting private investment.
The government plans to start with listing the Kenya Pipeline Company via an IPO on the Nairobi Securities Exchange this year, Ruto said while in London.
"We are committed to a structured, time-sensitive programme that identifies and prepares a robust pipeline of key government assets to be privatised through the stock exchange or improved through private sector participation," Ruto said, as quoted by Reuters.
Abass's extended three-year term comes amid significant changes to the legal framework governing the Commission under the newly enacted Privatisation Act of 2023.
Abass, who holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the American University in Cairo and an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi, brings a wide range of experience in both the public and private sectors.
