John Mbadi has defended the newly enacted National Infrastructure Fund law, saying the initiative will help Kenya reduce its reliance on borrowing to finance major development projects.
Speaking during a widows’ empowerment programme in Kuria East Constituency in Migori County, Mbadi said the new financing model is designed to ease pressure on the country’s rising public debt by mobilising domestic resources and attracting private sector investment.
Alternative Financing Model
The Treasury chief noted that Kenya has been edging toward difficulty in servicing its debt due to years of heavy borrowing for infrastructure projects. He said the newly established fund will provide a more sustainable approach by reducing dependence on external loans.
According to Mbadi, the National Infrastructure Fund will allow the government to mobilise funds locally while also creating opportunities for private investors to participate in large-scale infrastructure development.
He said the model, championed by William Ruto, aims to strengthen domestic investment and ensure critical development projects continue without further increasing the country’s debt burden.
Multi-Trillion Infrastructure Plan
President Ruto signed the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026 into law on March 9, establishing a framework through which the government aims to mobilise up to KSh5 trillion over the next decade.
The funds will be raised through privatisation initiatives and alternative financing mechanisms to support major infrastructure programmes across the country.
Key projects expected to benefit from the fund include the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The government also plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba, construct about 2,500 kilometres of dual carriage highways, and develop 10,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity.
In addition, the law expands the Railway Development Levy to support further growth of the country’s rail infrastructure under the new financing structure.
Political Support and Local Development
During the event, Mbadi also urged residents of the Kuria community to support President Ruto’s development agenda and grant him a second term in office to complete ongoing projects.
He further suggested that after 2032, the country’s leadership should shift to Kenya’s Western region.
Meanwhile, Walter Owino encouraged widows who benefited from empowerment funds during the programme to invest wisely and focus on income-generating activities that could improve their livelihoods.
The government views the National Infrastructure Fund as a critical tool to sustain development while maintaining fiscal stability as Kenya continues to expand its transport, energy and economic infrastructure.
