Dispose off Idle Public Assets to Offset Kenya’s Debt Says Procurement CEO Benard Odote
Benard Odote Group Managing Director and CEO House of Procurement, (Photo By Mbungu Harrison)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Kenyan government could reduce its ballooning public debt and reliance on borrowing by disposing idle and obsolete public assets instead of overtaxing citizens.
Benard Odote, Group managing director and CEO of House of Procurement, made the bold proposal during the second day of the 4th Edition of the Heads of Procurement and Supply Chain Management Forum 2025 held in Mombasa County.
Odote argued that unlocking even a fraction of the country’s underutilized assets could inject hundreds of billions of shillings into the economy, reduce borrowing, and fund essential services without increasing taxes.
“Kenya holds trillions in public and private assets, many idle or obsolete. Unlocking even a fraction of this value could inject hundreds of billions into the economy, cut borrowing, and fund critical services – without raising taxes.”
He estimated the potential non-tax revenue from asset disposal to exceed Ksh9 trillion and urged the government to capitalize on this underexploited opportunity.
“We are looking at old factories, old buildings, some of which are in counties. I think it’s a great opportunity to be able to [dispose] these assets or privatize them well to earn the government some revenue.”
Odote cited public universities, parastatals, and government agencies that own significant assets—such as land, buildings, machinery, and vehicles—as potential sources of revenue if these resources are leased, revamped, or privatized.
“Almost all public universities have debts, like the University of Nairobi, for example. They have assets which can offset their debt if disposed well and use the money to better education services.”
He added: “You will find universities that have a public debt of sh 10 billion for example, yet they have assets worth sh 20 billion. Why can’t they sell the assets and pay debt and then better services or expand to other regions?”
Odote noted that unlike in the past, Kenya now has proper legal frameworks and procurement procedures that guide public asset disposal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“We have a process now, compliant process through the Procurement Regulatory Authority, appointed procurement and disposal agents who can support the government at all levels to generate revenue for maximum value, market value and above.”
During his presentation at the forum, Odote emphasized the importance of structured and transparent processes in asset disposal.
“We’re diving deep into one of procurement’s biggest opportunities—strategic asset disposal,” he told delegates in a packed conference hall.
“Our presentation was centered around showing how structured, transparent, and traceable disposal processes can deliver this transformation.”
He highlighted successful million-dollar auctions and e-auction platforms that allow nationwide participation as examples of practical, accountable, and value-maximizing systems.
“From successful million-dollar auctions to e-auction platforms that allow buyers to bid from anywhere in the country, traceability ensures every transaction is accountable, compliant, and maximizes value.”
He concluded by stating that with the right approach and execution, the strategy could deliver real, measurable impact in debt reduction and service delivery.
“With execution expertise, a global buyer network, and proven frameworks, we’re leading conversations that go beyond the ‘what’ into the ‘how’—ensuring asset disposal drives real, measurable impact. These are the conversations shaping the future of procurement, and we’re here to lead them.”
If adopted, the proposal could offer Kenya a sustainable alternative to rising taxation and increased borrowing, while unlocking the hidden economic potential of underutilized public assets.
