President William Ruto has moved forward with plans to launch a Ksh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), describing it as a key step toward transforming Kenya into a modern, first-world economy. The initiative will pool proceeds from the privatisation of selected state-owned enterprises, directing them exclusively into public infrastructure development.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service, President Ruto said the fund will finance major projects including the dualling of 2,500 kilometres of highways, tarmacking 28,000 kilometres of roads, expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, upgrading Mombasa and Lamu ports, and extending the Standard Gauge Railway to the Uganda border.
The fund will also support energy generation and food security through 50 mega dams, 200 mini-dams, and 1,000 micro-dams, aiming to irrigate 2.5 million acres and generate an additional 10,000 megawatts of electricity. Affordable housing, modern markets, and student hostels are also part of the government’s ambitious agenda.
President Ruto dismissed claims linking the fund to the 2027 elections, insisting that the focus is on delivering development, not politics. “Time for elections will come. Now is the moment to work for the people,” he said.
However, critics, including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, have raised concerns over oversight and governance, warning that concentrating billions in a single mechanism could open the door to mismanagement and corruption. “The fund removes constitutional safeguards and puts use of those resources in the hands of one individual,” Muite said.
The Cabinet is expected to meet to approve the National Infrastructure Fund alongside the Sovereign Wealth Fund policy, a move aimed at attracting private sector investment while reducing reliance on borrowing. Observers note that transparency and accountability will be critical to ensuring the Ksh5 trillion initiative achieves its transformative goals.
, describing it as a key step toward transforming Kenya into a modern, first-world economy. The initiative will pool proceeds from the privatisation of selected state-owned enterprises, directing them exclusively into public infrastructure development.){kind=link}