"KICC Wasn't Built For Photographs": Ruto Insists On Selling Iconic Building Despite Protests

• President William Ruto said the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) sale will generate more revenue for the government
• According to Ruto, KICC is capable of raising KSh 300 billion a year if handed over to private investors
• The president slammed those opposed to his plan to privatise KICC, arguing that they want it to remain a place for taking photographs

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - President William Ruto has insisted on privatising the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) despite strong opposition from Kenyans.

Speaking on Sunday, December 17, during a media roundtable at State House, Nairobi, the president said he was determined to ensure KICC makes value for the government.

Why does William Ruto want KICC to be privatised?

Ruto hit out at those opposed to the sale of KICC, arguing that many want KICC to remain a place for taking photographs.

"Many people are very sentimental about KICC. We said we wanted to privatise KICC. KICC is an iconic building; it is the centre of the city. When I came first to Nairobi, I came to that photographing place where we were holding KICC at the top. KICC was not built for photographs. It was built as a national asset. Why don’t we transform KICC for it to become the international conference centre that it was built to be?" Ruto posed.

According to Ruto, KICC, which he claimed is valued at KSh 30 billion, can generate KSh 300 billion for the government if it is handed over to private investors.

"KICC today is valued at Sh30 billion, but we got Sh30 million the last financial year...It is mismanaged. Instead of having KICC as an office block for people who don't pay rent, why don't we transform it into an international conference centre to bring in Sh300 billion a year?" he added.

Ruto wants to privatise 11 state corporations

As earlier reported, President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to selling the state corporations earmarked for sale in the privatisation bill.

Ruto said he is ready to take the consequences of his actions, stating that privatising the parastatals would be of more importance to the country.

"A report was already done saying about 150 companies should be removed. What they are doing can be done by the private sector. The private sector can give us more value out of them. Some of them divest. For 10 years now, it has been a very difficult decision to make, but I will do it. I promise you. I will make the decision and take the consequences," said Ruto.