Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi slammed those criticizing government programs on Wednesday November 26 2025 in defense of government borrowing.
Atandi dismissed claims that the government’s new capital-raising methods are illegal, saying critics are misleading Kenyans.
He argued that the country cannot grow without investment in key sectors such as agriculture and energy.
The legislator pointed to food security as a cornerstone of economic stability, noting that subsidies introduced by the government are among the most unique strategies seen in recent years.
He said industrialization and job creation depend on reliable energy, which requires heavy investment.
Atandi was speaking during a debate on a 30-page document tabled in the House, which outlined the President’s state of the nation address.
He defended securitization and other borrowing mechanisms, saying they are legitimate ways of raising capital for national projects.
One of the securitization programs he defended was the Ksh 16.38 billion financing agreement with United Bank for Africa (UBA) aimed at clearing unpaid road construction bills and reviving stalled projects.
“For some members of parliament to articulate that this is an illegal program, I think this is really defeatist, and I think this shows how narrow-minded some of our colleagues are, especially when they are approaching these programs in a manner that suggests that they are thinking tribally,” Atandi said.
He insisted that the government is undertaking no illegal program.
According to him, the initiatives are funded by investors and private individuals who have studied Kenya’s legal framework and gained confidence to commit resources.
He accused fellow MPs of politicizing borrowing instead of focusing on its impact on ordinary citizens.
Atandi maintained that the government’s borrowing is aimed at securing food, energy, and jobs for Kenyans.
