List Of Parastatals In Kenya

You’re no stranger to the words “parastatals” or “state-owned entities”. But if you’re looking to get a better understanding of the different parastatals in Kenya, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll break down the list of parastatals in Kenya and discuss their roles and responsibilities. We’ll also look at some of the biggest state-owned entities operating in the country and explain how they affect everyday life.

So if you’re ready to learn more about Kenya’s parastatals, let’s jump right in. We’ll start by getting a better understanding of what these organizations actually do, then move on to discussing some of the most influential ones.

What Are Parastatals in Kenya?

Parastatals (also known as public corporations or statutory corporations) are organizations that are set up by the government to deliver specific services. They can be owned either wholly or partially by the government, and serve a social and economic purpose in a country.

In Kenya, there are several parastatals that are responsible for providing important services such as electricity, water supply, and public transportation. These organizations play a crucial role in the Kenyan economy and include the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).

The government’s commitment to developing the Kenyan economy has extended to creating these parastatals, as they provide essential services for citizens across the country. These public corporations also have an impact on job creation and growth of industries in Kenya, which is why they are highly valued by the government.

Types of Parastatals in Kenya

Parastatals are public organizations, which are owned and controlled by the government. They play a vital role in providing services and in the overall development of Kenya. There are many types of parastatals in Kenya, each one contributing to different sectors of the economy.

Here’s a quick look at some of the major types of parastatals in Kenya:

State Corporations: These are organizations established by an Act of Parliament with semi-autonomous status. Examples include Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
Development Authorities: These are organizations that have been established to supervise, facilitate and promote development in specific areas or regions. Examples include the Tana River Development Authority (TRDA) and Kereita Forest Development Authority (KFDA).
Government Trading Corporations: These are organizations set up for import and supply or sale of goods or services. Examples include National Cereals & Produce Board (NCPB) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
State Foundations: These are public entities established for public good, such as conservation, education or research. Examples include Friends of Karura Forest Foundation and Jomo Kenyatta Foundation.

This list is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the main types of parastatals in Kenya, but there may be more depending on specific needs related to certain industries or sectors.

Structure of Parastatals

When it comes to parastatals in Kenya, the structure is pretty straightforward. There are three main types of parastatals:

Central Government Parastatals: These are owned and run by the Central Government of Kenya and have their own governing bodies. They include such key entities as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).
County-level Parastatals: These are owned and run by county governments in Kenya, with governing bodies set up by the relevant counties. Examples include the Narok County Water Resources Management Board, Naivasha Water Services Company and Isiolo Water Services Company.
Private Sector Parastatals: These are privately owned companies, which operate as parastatals with government approval and support. Examples include Safaricom, Equity Bank and Mater Hospital.

Each of these parastatal types has its own set of regulations and responsibilities, but they are all united under one goal – to serve the people of Kenya through providing efficient service delivery to citizens around the country.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Parastatals

Parastatals in Kenya can be both beneficial and have some drawbacks.

Benefits

Parastatals can provide job opportunities for qualified individuals, economic growth and development in the nation, as well as improved services in various sectors. They also offer some of the most comprehensive and reliable services to citizens, businesses and other organizations. Finally, they also provide additional sources of revenue for the country when they turn a profit.

Drawbacks

Despite their potential benefits, parastatals can sometimes be mismanaged or inefficient. There are also allegations of nepotism and favoritism in hiring practices as well as corruption within organizations. This can lead to a lack of accountability, transparency, inefficiency and an inadequate workforce which can result in increased costs or poor quality service delivery. In addition, parastatals hold a large portion of the national debt which can lead to financial issues in the country if not managed properly.

List of the Top 10 Parastatals in Kenya

Did you know that Kenya has over 164 parastatals? That’s a lot! So what are the biggest and most important of these parastatals in terms of size, economic contribution, and services rendered? Here is a list of the top 10 parastatals in Kenya:

Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC): A Public Company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, providing electricity services throughout the country.
KenGen: Generating an average of 75% of Kenya’s electricity requirements through sustainable power sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind and solar energy.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA): Responsible for managing ports along the Kenyan coast, facilitating all activities related to international and coastal shipping.
The National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK): Engaged in oil exploration and refining activities across the country.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF): Providing retirement benefits to employees in both the public & private sectors across Kenya.
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA): Responsible for electrification projects throughout rural communities in the country by connecting them to affordable national grid power sources.
State Department Of Housing & Urban Development: Providing housing solutions to citizens across urban-dwelling areas in Kenya through various projects such as slum rehabilitation and housing construction schemes for low-income earners.
State Department Of Agriculture: Primarily responsible for offering impactful agricultural services to Kenyan citizens such as provision of farmer inputs, soil fertility management services amongst others under its umbrella of programs that include Market Price Information System (MPIS).
Central Bank of Kenya
Nairobi Securities Exchange

List Of Parastatals In Kenya with their respective ministries

1. Interior and Coordination of National Government

National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Service

2. Ministry of the National Treasury Parastatal

Kenya Accountants and Secretaries
National Examinations Board (KASNEB)
Privatization Commission
Kenya Investment Authority
Insurance Regulatory Authority
Public Procurement Oversight Authority
Public Procurement Oversight Authority
Capital Market Authority
Deposit Protection Fund
National Bank of Kenya
Kenya Post Office Savings Bank
Consolidated Bank of Kenya
Retirements Benefit Authority
Kenya Reinsurance Corporation
Kenya Revenue Authority
Kenya Trade Network Agency
Competition Authority of Kenya

3. Foreign Affairs and International Trade

4. Defence

Kenya Ordinance and Factories Corporation (KOFC)

5. Health

Kenya Medical Laboratory Technician and Technologists Board
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA)
Kenya Medical Training College
Kenyatta National Hospital
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
National Hospital Insurance Fund
National AIDS Control Council
National Quality Control Laboratories
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital

6. Education, Science and Technology

Chuka UniversityCommission for University Education
Cooperative University College
Dedan Kimathi University
Egerton University
Embu University
Garissa University
Higher Education Loans Board
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Jomo Kenyatta Foundation
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Karatina University
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development
Kenya Literature Bureau
Multi-Media University of Kenya
Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
Kenya National Examinations Council
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services
Kenyatta University
Kibabii University
Kirinyaga University
Kisii University
Laikipia University
Maasai Mara University
Machakos University
Maseno University
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Meru University of Science and Technology
Moi University
Murang’a University College
National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
Pwani University
Rongo University
School Equipment Production Unit
South Eastern Kenya Universtiy- SEKU
Taita Taveta University Technical Industrial, Vocational Entrepreneurships Training Authority
Technical University of Mombasa
The Technical University of Kenya
University of Eldoret
University of Kabianga
University of Nairobi

7. Transport and Infrastructure Development

Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA)
Kenya Airports Authority
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Kenya Ferry Services
Kenya Maritime Authority
Kenya National Shipping Line
Kenya Ports Authority
Kenya Railways Corporation
Kenya Roads Board
Kenya Rural Roads Authority
Kenya Urban Roads Authority
LAPSET Corridor Development Authority
National Transport & Safety Authority

8. Devolution and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Constituency Development Fund Board
National Drought Management Authority
Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
Kenya School of Government
National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development
South-South Centre
Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board (YEDFB)

9. Lands

National Construction AuthorityNational Housing Corporation

10. Environment and Forestry

Coast Development Authority
Coast Water Services Board
Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority
Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority
Kenya Forest Service
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Kenya Water Towers Agency
Kenya Wildlife Service
Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA)
Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA)
National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)

11. Agriculture and Irrigation

Agricultural Development Corporation
Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Authority
Agro-Chemical and Food Company
Bukura Agricultural College
Chemelil Sugar Company Limited
Coffee Development Fund
Commodities Fund
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Kenya Animal Genetics Resource CentreKenya Dairy Board
Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research InstituteKenya Meat Commission
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services
Kenya Seed Company Limited
Kenya Tsetse & Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council
Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute
Miwani Sugar Company Ltd
Mohoroni Sugar Company LtdNational Biosafety Authority
National Cereals and Produce Board
National Irrigation Board
Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation
Nzoia Sugar Company
Pest Control Products Board
South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited (SONY)

12. Labour and Social Protection

National Social Security Fund
National Social Security Assistance Authority
National Council for Persons with Disabilities
National Industrial Training Authority

13. Tourism and Wildlife

Kenyatta International Conference Centre
Kenya Utalii College
Bomas of Kenya
Kenya Tourism Board
Tourism Regulatory Authority
Kenya Tourist Development Corporation
Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels
Tourism Fund
Brand Kenya
Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustee

14. Energy

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN)
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)
Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)
Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited (KPLC)
National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
Rural Electrification Authority (REA)

15. Industrialisation and Enterprise Development

Anti-Counterfeit Agency
East African Portland Cement Company Limited
Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Kenya Industrial Estates Ltd.
Kenya Industrial Property Institute
Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute
Kenya Investment Authority
Kenya Leather Development Council
Kenya National Accreditation Service
New Kenya Co-operative Creameries
Numerical Machining Complex
Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority
Small and Micro Enterprises Authority

16. Information, Communication and Technology

Communications Authority of Kenya
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Information and Communications Technology Authority
Kenya Institute of Mass Communication
Kenya Year Book Editorial Board
Konza Technopolis Authority
Postal Corporation of Kenya

17. Sports and Heritage

Kenya Academy of Sports
Kenya Film Classification Board
Kenya Film Commission
Kenya National Library Service
National Museums of Kenya
National Youth Council
Sports Kenya

18. Office of the Attorney General

Council of Legal Education
Kenya Copyright Board
Kenya Law Reform Commission
Kenya School of Law
Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration
National Council for Law Reporting
National Crime Research Centre

19. Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs

20. Water and Sanitation

21. Mining and Petroleum

22. East African Community and Northern Corridor Development

They are further classified into eight broad section namely;-

Commercial/manufacturing
Regulatory
Public Universities
Training and Research
Service
Regional Development Authorities
Tertiary Education and Tr

1. Financial

Kenya Investment Authority
IDB capital
Agricultural Finance Corporation
Consolidated Bank
Deposit Protection Fund Board
Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation
Industrial Development Bank
Kenya Industrial Estates
Kenya National Assurance Co.
Kenya Re-Insurance Corporation
Kenya Revenue Authority
Kenya Roads Board
Kenya Tourist Development Corporation
National Bank of Kenya
National Hospital Insurance Fund
National Social Security Fund

2. Commercial & Manufacturing

Agro-Chemicals and Food Company
Chemelil Sugar Company
East African Portland Cement Company
Gilgil Telecommunications Industries
Jomo Kenyatta Foundation
Kenya Airports Authority
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Kenya Electricity Generating Company
Kenya Literature Bureau
Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation
University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited
New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Ltd
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company
Kenya Pipeline Company
Kenya Ports Authority
Kenya Power and Lighting Company
Kenya Railways Corporation
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels
Kenya Seed Company Limited
Kenya Wine Agencies
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
National Cereals and Produce Board
National Housing Corporation
National Oil Corporation of Kenya
National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation
Numerical Machining Complex
Nzoia Sugar Company
Postal Corporation of Kenya
Pyrethrum Board of Kenya
School Equipment Production Unit
South Nyanza Sugar Company
Telkom Kenya Limited

3. Public Universities

Chuka University
Cooperative University
Dedan Kimathi University
Egerton University
Embu University
Garissa University
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Karatina University
Multi-Media University of Kenya
Kenyatta University
Kibabii University College
Kirinyaga University College
Kisii University
Laikipia University College
Maasai Mara University
Machakos University College
Maseno University
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Meru University of Science and Technology
Moi University
Murang’a University
Pwani University
Rongo University
South Eastern Kenya Universtiy- SEKU
Taita Taveta University
Technical University of Mombasa
The Technical University of Kenya
University of Eldoret
University of Kabianga
University of Nairobi

4. Training and Research

Are Universities also Parastatals? The answer to this question is straight forward

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service
Coffee Research Foundation
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute
Kenya Institute of Administration
Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Kenya Sugar Research Foundation
National Museums of Kenya
Tea Research Foundation
Kenya Institute of Education
Kenya Education Staff Institute

5. Service Corporations

Agricultural Development Corporation
Bomas of Kenya
Central Water Services Board
Coast Water Services Board
Higher Education Loans Board
Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board
Kenya Ferry Services
Kenya National Library Services
Kenya Tourist Board
Kenya Wildlife Service
Kenyatta National Hospital
Lake Victoria North Water Services Board
Local Authorities Provident Fund
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
Nairobi Water Services Board
National Aids Control Council
National Council for Law Reporting
National Sports Stadia Management Board
Northern Water Services Board
Rift Valley Water Services Board
Water Resources Management Authority
Water Services Trust Fund
Lake Victoria South Water Services Board
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Athi Water Services Board
Kenya National Examination Council

6. Regional Development

Coast Development Authority
Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority
Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority
Kerio Valley Development Authority
Lake Basin Development Authority
Tana and Athi Rivers Development

7. Tertiary Education & Training

Cooperative College of Kenya
Kenya College of Communications Technology
Kenya Medical Training College
Kenya Utalii College
Kenya Water Institute

8. Regulatory

Kenya Veterinary Board
Kenya Leather Development Council
Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority
Capital Markets Authority
Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustee
Coffee Board of Kenya
Commission for University Education
Communication Authority
Council for Legal Education
Energy Regulatory Commission
Export Promotion Council
Horticultural Crops Development Authority
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Kenya Dairy Board
Kenya Industrial Property Institute
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services
Kenya Sisal Board
Kenya Sugar Board
Maritime Authority National Environment Management Authority
National Irrigation Board
Public Benefits Organizations Regulatory Authority
Tea Board of Kenya
Water Services Regulatory Board
Transport Licensing Board
Catering Training & Tourism Development Levy Trustees
Export Promotion Council
Export Processing Zones Authority
Kenya Bureau of Standards

Best Paying Parastatals in Kenya

Without further ado here is a list of best paying Parastatals in Kenya;

National Security & Intelligent Service,
Kenya Airports Authority
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
Central Bank of Kenya
Nairobi Securities Exchange
KenGen
Kenya Power
Communication Authority of Kenya
Kenya Pipeline
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Recent Developments in Kenyan Parastatals

More recently, the Kenyan government has identified a number of key parastatals that have been growing and contributing to the economy.

From energy production, to food security and health care provision, here are some of the most important parastatals in Kenya.

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)

KenGen is the leading electric power generating company in Kenya with an installed capacity of 1,624 MW as at June 2020. It is responsible for 72% of electricity generated in Kenya and is also the largest renewable energy producer in East and Central Africa.

National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)

NOCK is a state corporation responsible for fuel procurement, infrastructure development and management of petroleum products in Kenya. It has over 100 petrol stations across the country and provides services like fuel management, transport engineering and construction.

National Irrigation Board (NIB)

The NIB is responsible for managing irrigation schemes across the country. It oversees irrigation projects, provides technical assistance and offers training programs to farmers to maximize crop production.

Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC)

KRC is responsible for managing railway infrastructure, operations and services in Kenya.

It operates several railway lines such as standard gage line linking Nairobi with Mombasa, the Nairobi commuter rail service.

With these developments in mind, it’s clear that parastatals are an important part of Kenya’s economy and development agenda, providing essential services and opportunities for all citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many parastatals operating in Kenya that are striving to bring economic and social development to the country. Parastatals are important public entities that are crucial in the country’s growth and progress. From the Kenya National Highway Authority to specialized agencies like the Kenya Investment Authority, these parastatals are playing a vital role in the nation’s present and future development. They are creating employment opportunities and contributing to the nation’s economy. All in all, it is clear that the list of parastatals in Kenya is both extensive and invaluable.