Muturi Raises Flags Over the Sh1.5 Trillion Plan
Former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has questioned the practicality and timeliness of President William Ruto’s proposed Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Muturi emphasized that while infrastructure investment is essential for long‑term development, it must not come at the expense of accountability and prudent public-finance management.
Core Concerns: Accountability, Wastage, and Tax Burden
Muturi argued that Kenyans are already bearing tax burdens, and introducing a new fund without addressing wastage could deepen economic hardship. He urged the government to focus on closing financial loopholes and increasing transparency in how existing funds are used. The central worry is not a shortage of money but inefficiency in resource management within state institutions.
“What Kenya requires now is honest leadership and effective utilization of public funds,” Muturi said. He contended that properly managed resources could finance key infrastructure projects without additional taxes, provided recurrent spending is trimmed and austerity measures are adopted where feasible.
Fiscal Discipline and Priorities
Muturi called for reducing luxury spending and unnecessary delegations as demonstrations of genuine commitment to accountability. He stressed that national priorities must balance infrastructure growth with investments in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Development, he insisted, should be inclusive and mindful of ordinary citizens’ welfare.
Oversight, Transparency, and Public Trust
Another pillar of Muturi’s message is stronger oversight and traceability of public funds. He warned that every shilling must be auditable to sustain public trust and confidence in governance. The call is for a governance framework where infrastructure ambitions do not outpace transparent financial management.
Context: The Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill and Infrastructure Financing
Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has opened the floor to public views on the Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2025. The bill proposes a framework for managing revenues from minerals, petroleum, and other government sources and outlines three components: a Stabilization Fund, a Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, and the Future Generation (Urithi) Fund. Treasury notes the aim is to ensure that non-renewable resources and state investments benefit both current and future generations.
What This Means for Kenya’s Infrastructure Ambitions
A formal infrastructure fund can offer long‑term, stable returns and help diversify risk for public investment. However, the debate highlighted by Muturi centers on the need for a robust macroeconomic environment, transparent fund governance, and alignment with social investments. If implemented with strong accountability, the fund could complement ongoing projects and support growth without exacerbating the cost of living.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, Kenyans are watching how the government will balance infrastructure expansion with fiscal discipline. The success of any large-scale investment depends on reducing leakage, improving project selection, and ensuring public resources reach their stated goals. A transparent, citizen-informed process could translate into infrastructure that not only connects towns but also strengthens livelihoods across sectors.
