Ibrahim Kitoo’s passion for Public Private Partnerships helps transform Kenya’s infrastructure landscape

In recent years, the Government of Kenya’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework has enabled Kenya to implement high-quality infrastructure projects in the energy, roads and several other sectors, which have benefitted the economy significantly. Ibrahim Kitoo, a versatile professional with a wealth of experience, has become a driving force in Kenya’s PPP landscape.

A distinguished alumnus of the Australia Awards short course in Public-Private Infrastructure Partnerships at Queensland University (2018), Ibrahim’s multifaceted role as the Legal and Infrastructure Finance and PPP Expert in the PPP Directorate within the National Treasury of Kenya underscores his unwavering commitment to impactful and people-centred PPP projects and strategic infrastructure.

In the dynamic realm of PPPs, Ibrahim plays a pivotal role in advising the government on seizing opportunities while effectively navigating the associated legal and fiscal risks. His expertise has been instrumental in the implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects in energy and diverse sectors, contributing significantly to Kenya’s economic growth. The establishment of the PPP Directorate, supported by the World Bank through the Public-Private Partnerships Act of 2021, attests to the strategic importance of Ibrahim’s role.

“Upon returning to Kenya I have continued to apply the acquired new skills and expertise in my job then as Senior Legal Counsel and transitioning to Chief Legal Officer, Projects and Disputes Resolution at Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC. This is a listed state corporation in Kenya that commands at least 80% of the electricity consumed in the country of which an equivalent percentage is renewable and green energy. I helped to scale up the delivery of impactful and strategic local and cross-border projects undertaken by the company”, says Ibrahim.

With over 14 years in the corporate-legal sector, and his passion for PPPs and infrastructure  management, propelled him to his current position in PPP financing and infrastructure development.  Here he supports contracting authorities in conceptualising and delivering sustainable PPP projects. Ibrahim’s dedication extends beyond his official role; he actively engages with his fellow professionals, for example as an active member of the Law Society of Kenya, and as a Board Director and Honorary Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Chapter). He also serves as an Audit Risk & Compliance Committee member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries (Kenya), an institution tasked with improved governance in Kenya. He also serves as a Board Director of World Vision Kenya, making a difference in the welfare of the children of Kenya.

Recognised for his outstanding contributions, Ibrahim received accolades as the 2022 Kenyan Public Sector Lawyer of the Year from the Law Society of Kenya and was named a Rising Star by the International Law Institute. His influence extends to various roles, including corporation secretary, governance trainer, auditor, public procurement, contracts, and projects management professional, as well as an arbitrator and mediator. He is also a part-time lecturer at Strathmore University Business School on Public Private Partnerships and Public Procurement and serves as the Kenyan representative to the P3 World Council.

According to Ibrahim, he learned a lot through his interactions with fellow students in the classroom and in practice on how to conceptualise sustainable, resilient and bankable infrastructure that are effectively aligned with the public and private sectors’ interests. As students, they visited PPP sites in both Brisbane and Pretoria.

He says: “My participation in the Australia Awards PPP Infrastructure short course opened doors for me and enhanced my interests in PPPs, conventional procurement and sustainable infrastructure development and financing”.

Ibrahim’s contribution is to align PPP and other projects with key stakeholders, especially the government, by ensuring that the projects align with the government’s strategic agenda and priorities. He excels in reaching out to and influencing strategic cooperative partners and finalising strategic cooperation agreements with them. Where large infrastructure programs previously struggled to secure financial and other support, Ibrahim feels there is now increased support from various stakeholders such as government and politicians, development partners and other capacity-building institutions (also education and training institutions) and financiers and private partners to fund and deliver PPP Projects.

Buoyed by his Australia Awards short course experience, Ibrahim’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident through his pursuit of advanced qualifications and participation in programs from renowned institutions worldwide. His journey as a Certified PPP professional and completion of programs from Oxford Said Business School, Strathmore University, FIDIC/Kings College London Summer School, George Washington University, Queen Mary University in London, Oxford Renewable Energy Program, and York University Schulich Business School Sustainable Infrastructure Fellowship Program reflect his dedication to staying at the forefront of PPP and sustainable infrastructure development.

In Ibrahim Kitoo, Kenya has a passionate and dedicate advocate for PPPs and a visionary leader who contributes significantly to the nation’s progress in infrastructure and sustainable development.