A National Assembly committee initiated a 2019 inquiry into the proposed Airtel-Telkom merger, alleging the deal resembles a 2014 privatization scandal involving Telkom Kenya. The committee, led by Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta, demanded government agencies clarify unresolved issues from a 2015 parliamentary report on the telecoms sector.
The committee highlighted similarities between the merger and a 2014 Public Investment Committee (PIC) report that criticized Telkom Kenya's 2007 privatization. The report, adopted by parliament in 2015, recommended reforms that remain unimplemented, according to committee members. Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi stated the investigation aims to determine why these measures have not been enforced.
Stakeholders including the National Treasury, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) were invited to explain the status of the 2014 report's implementation. The committee also referenced the 2007 France Telecom (now Orange S.A.) acquisition of a 51% stake in Telkom Kenya for Sh26 billion, which PIC deemed irregular due to the government receiving only Sh2.5 billion of the Sh4.9 billion required.
