Faith Masita
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, insisting it will benefit all regions equally and dismissing claims of bias as “misleading and politically driven.”
Speaking amid mounting criticism, Mbadi said the fund is a national development vehicle designed to accelerate infrastructure growth across the country. “This fund is not meant for a few regions or political interests. It is structured to ensure every part of Kenya benefits from improved infrastructure,” he said.
He rejected assertions that the initiative could be skewed toward select areas, adding, “Claims that the fund is discriminatory are not only false but intended to derail a critical national agenda.”
The CS explained that the fund will finance large-scale projects in key sectors such as transport, energy and digital infrastructure, noting that these investments are expected to spur economic growth and enhance connectivity. “We are focusing on commercially viable projects that will unlock economic potential and improve livelihoods across all regions,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi also positioned the fund as a solution to Kenya’s growing debt burden, saying it would reduce reliance on external borrowing. “We must move away from overdependence on loans. This fund will allow us to mobilise domestic resources and attract private investment into infrastructure,” he stated.
Addressing public concerns over its financing, he clarified that ordinary workers would not be subjected to mandatory contributions. “There will be no salary deductions for civil servants or any Kenyan. That narrative is completely inaccurate,” Mbadi said, adding that initial capital would be sourced from government asset restructuring and strategic investments.
The National Infrastructure Fund, recently signed into law by President William Ruto, is expected to mobilise substantial resources for projects including roads, railways, airports and energy systems.
However, critics—particularly from the opposition—have raised concerns about transparency and the potential for political misuse. Mbadi dismissed those fears, saying, “We have put in place safeguards to ensure accountability and proper oversight. This is a fund for all Kenyans, not a political tool.”
He expressed confidence that, if properly implemented, the initiative would transform the country’s infrastructure landscape. “This is about equitable development. Every Kenyan, regardless of region, stands to gain,” Mbadi said.
Speaking amid mounting criticism, Mbadi said the fund is a national development vehicle designed to accelerate infrastructure growth across the country. “This fund is not meant for a few regions or political interests. It is structured to ensure every part of Kenya benefits from improved infrastructure,” he said.
He rejected assertions that the initiative could be skewed toward select areas, adding, “Claims that the fund is discriminatory are not only false but intended to derail a critical national agenda.”
The CS explained that the fund will finance large-scale projects in key sectors such as transport, energy and digital infrastructure, noting that these investments are expected to spur economic growth and enhance connectivity. “We are focusing on commercially viable projects that will unlock economic potential and improve livelihoods across all regions,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi also positioned the fund as a solution to Kenya’s growing debt burden, saying it would reduce reliance on external borrowing. “We must move away from overdependence on loans. This fund will allow us to mobilise domestic resources and attract private investment into infrastructure,” he stated.
Addressing public concerns over its financing, he clarified that ordinary workers would not be subjected to mandatory contributions. “There will be no salary deductions for civil servants or any Kenyan. That narrative is completely inaccurate,” Mbadi said, adding that initial capital would be sourced from government asset restructuring and strategic investments.
The National Infrastructure Fund, recently signed into law by President William Ruto, is expected to mobilise substantial resources for projects including roads, railways, airports and energy systems.
However, critics—particularly from the opposition—have raised concerns about transparency and the potential for political misuse. Mbadi dismissed those fears, saying, “We have put in place safeguards to ensure accountability and proper oversight. This is a fund for all Kenyans, not a political tool.”
He expressed confidence that, if properly implemented, the initiative would transform the country’s infrastructure landscape. “This is about equitable development. Every Kenyan, regardless of region, stands to gain,” Mbadi said.
