The power of people powered Public-Private Partnerships

What are PPPs?

PPPs are collaborations between the government and the private sector to deliver public services or infrastructure. Governments bring the public mandate, while private companies bring investment, expertise, and efficiency. When done well, PPPs help governments deliver services that they may not be able to fund or manage on their own.

In Kenya and across Africa, PPPs are increasingly important because governments face limited public financing, while development needs continue to grow.

Why community engagement matters

Communities are the people most affected by PPP projects, yet they are often left out of decision-making. When communities do not understand why a project is being built, who is financing it, or how it will affect their lives, resistance is likely to follow.

Community engagement means involving people early and throughout the entire project cycle, that is, from project design to construction, operation, and even decommissioning. It allows communities to:

• Understand what problem a project is solving
• Share their views and concerns
• Benefit through jobs, skills, and local business opportunities
• Take ownership and help sustain the project

Without proper engagement, even well-designed projects can fail.

Lessons from Kenya

The People’s Partnership Podcast highlighted real examples from Kenya. Projects like the Nairobi Expressway show how PPPs can deliver major infrastructure, but they also reveal the challenges that arise when communities feel excluded.

The stalled Kinangop Wind Farm project was cited as a cautionary example. Despite advanced planning and financing, misinformation and lack of structured community engagement led to resistance, legal battles, and eventual project failure. The result was not only financial loss but also a missed opportunity for development.

Policy and the PPP Act of 2021

Kenya’s PPP Act of 2021 provides a legal framework for PPPs and recognizes the importance of community engagement. However, the podcast noted that regulations to fully operationalize the Act are still being finalized. Clear guidelines, measurable indicators, and accountability mechanisms are needed to ensure community engagement is not treated as a box-ticking exercise.

Final takeaway

PPPs are not simply financial or technical arrangements. They are social partnerships. When communities are engaged meaningfully, PPPs can deliver infrastructure, promote inclusive growth, and improve lives. When communities are ignored, projects risk resistance, failure, and lost development opportunities.