| dc.description.abstract | This thesis investigates Kenya's approach to the privatization process through an exploration of
Telkom Kenya's (TKL) unfolding privatization. The thesis research identifies outlines and
documents the developments in Kenya's approach to the privatization programs in a developing
economy of the COMESA region. In the process, the analysis contributes to an approach of
privatizing and restructuring in Kenya. It has also helped explain new phenomena in privatizing
in an environment with no institutional infrastructure and in the process has generated and
contributed to new knowledge whose detail is discussed in chapter five.
The research took an exploratory approach because there are few or no earlier studies in which a
secondary data analysis solely was to be analyzed. The empirical data was based on observing
and experiencing the real world with a focus to gain insights and familiarity on approaches to the
privatization process. Although there is a variety of privatization literature and studies, these have
tended to focus on developed and emerging economies and lately specific sectors of their interest.
The analysis uses field primary and secondary data sources and an extensive literature review on
privatization focusing on specific elements of approaches and developments in the less
developing countries (LDCs) and in Kenya. The data collection and analysis focused on outlining
Kenya's actual process of choosing and implementing sectors, objectives, methods, techniques
and strategies of transacting Telkom Kenya as a strategic enterprise under the GOK's
privatization program. In attempting to respond to the central research question raised in chapter one (page 9), the thesis
undertakes an in-depth mixed method analysis (majorly qualitative) of approaches to the
privatization process. The research is driven by the central research question (s): "What are (why
and how) the approaches and strategies of Kenya's privatization program in a developing
economy?" The research outcome identifies and outlines a 'sketch approach' to Kenya's privatization
program and process. The research analysis concludes that efforts to institutionalize (i.e.
regulatory framework) the process, in order to make Kenya's approach more tangible, effective,
efficient, and accountable need further attention. Evidence further shows that privatization of Kenya's strategic state enterprises (SSE, s) raises concerns of the socio-political dynamics of the management of the selected approaches, methods, processes, and objectives of privatization by
GOK. Indeed 80 % of the respondents argued that privatization is crucial in enabling the
government divest from business. However, the political control remains an impediment to
independent and fair strengthening and building of privatization institutions. In this regard, this
thesis' major contribution of identifying Kenya's approach provides a first attempt at a 'guide'to
the privatization process that is clear, accountable and open to checks and balances. | en |
