Muturi voices concerns over Ruto’s Sh1.5 trillion infrastructure fund
Former Kenyan Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has publicly challenged the viability of President William Ruto’s proposed Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund. Speaking amid a climate of economic strain on Kenyan households, Muturi pressed for a focus on prudent financial management, accountability, and greater transparency before committing to a sizable new pool of capital for infrastructure projects.
In his statement issued on Tuesday, Muturi acknowledged the critical role infrastructure plays in national development but warned that a new fund should not come at the expense of fiscal discipline. “The country needs integrity, discipline, and competence in managing public resources,” he said, cautioning that Kenyans are already overburdened by taxes and that creating additional levies or funds without addressing wasteful spending could deepen hardship.
Muturi argued that a more effective approach would be to seal financial loopholes, root out wastage, and enhance transparency in how existing funds are used. He contended that Kenya’s core challenge lies not in a lack of money but in inefficiencies within public sector management. “What Kenya requires now is honest leadership and effective utilization of public funds,” he asserted, adding that properly managed resources could finance essential projects without raising new taxes.
Reflecting on public accountability, Muturi called for a reduction in recurrent spending and the adoption of austerity measures across government institutions. He suggested that trimming luxury delegations and other non-essential expenditures would demonstrate a credible commitment to responsible governance and fiscal discipline, sending a clear signal to citizens and international partners alike that the state is prioritizing value-for-money in a tight fiscal environment.
Beyond the mechanics of financing, Muturi emphasized a balanced agenda for national development. He argued that infrastructure investment must be paired with robust investment in healthcare, education, and agriculture—sectors that directly affect ordinary citizens’ livelihoods. According to Muturi, true development requires linking roads to schools, hospitals, and agricultural livelihoods so that growth translates into tangible improvements in daily life.
Muturi also pressed for stronger oversight mechanisms. He insisted that every shilling spent on infrastructure or related ventures be traceable, to foster public trust and to ensure that financing aligns with stated priorities. The call for transparency underscored a broader demand for accountable governance at a time when public confidence in resource management is fragile.
In a related development, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi opened a public consultation on the Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2025. The bill proposes a three-pronged framework for managing revenues from minerals, petroleum, and other government sources, including a Stabilization Fund, a Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, and a Future Generation (Urithi) Fund. While the Treasury frames the bill as a vehicle to maximize long-term gains from natural resources, Muturi’s cautions about governance and efficiency add a layer of skepticism about how any new Fund would operate within Kenya’s current fiscal architecture.
Analysts note that an infrastructure fund can offer stable, long-term returns and help diversify risk, particularly when aligned with strategic priorities and sound governance. However, the success of such instruments rests on transparent governance, rigorous project appraisal, and continuous oversight to prevent leakage and misallocation. As Kenya navigates competing demands for public services and growth, Muturi’s call for prudent management resonates with a broad segment of citizens seeking accountability, value for money, and a more inclusive development model.
Ultimately, the discourse around the Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill highlights a shared concern: infrastructure ambitions must be matched by disciplined stewardship of public resources. Without robust checks and a clear framework that prioritizes citizens’ welfare, ambitious funding plans risk eroding trust and widening inequality—even as they promise to accelerate development.
