Muturi challenges the feasibility of the Sh1.5 trillion infrastructure plan
Former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has raised questions about President William Ruto’s proposed Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund, calling into question its practicality amid a tough economic climate for Kenyan citizens. In a Tuesday statement, Muturi acknowledged the importance of infrastructure for national development but warned that such ambitions must be paired with accountability, prudent financial management, and transparent governance.
What Muturi is asking the government to address
Muturi emphasized that integrity, discipline, and competent management of public resources should anchor any large-scale investment. He argued that Kenyans are already burdened by taxes, and introducing new levies or funds without rigorously addressing wastage would deepen hardships. The former AG urged the government to close financial loopholes and improve transparency in how existing funds are utilized.
“What Kenya requires now is honest leadership and effective utilization of public funds. If resources are properly managed, the country can finance key infrastructure projects without imposing additional taxes,” Muturi said, framing efficiency as the real growth lever rather than new revenues.
Reconsidering spending and prioritization
Muturi called for reduced recurrent spending and notable austerity within state institutions, arguing that unnecessary expenditure undermines public confidence and economic recovery. He asserted that sound fiscal discipline should begin at the top and urged reducing luxury spending and unnecessary delegations as tangible signals of accountability.
On development priorities, Muturi argued for a balanced approach that protects welfare while promoting growth. He stressed that investments should not come at the expense of healthcare, education, and agriculture. “True development must not come at the cost of citizens’ welfare. A strong nation is built by balancing roads, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods,” he noted, underscoring the need for inclusive growth that benefits ordinary people.
Oversight and transparency—central to the debate
The former AG pressed for stronger oversight mechanisms, insisting that every shilling must be traceable to restore public trust. His remarks arrive as the Treasury opens public views on the Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2025, which envisions managing revenues from minerals, petroleum, and other government sources. The bill proposes three components: a Stabilization Fund, a Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, and a Future Generation (Urithi) Fund. While Treasury officials frame the fund as a tool to stabilize revenue, invest in infrastructure, and protect future generations, critics warn that without robust governance it could become another channel for inefficiency.
Context: the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill and infrastructure finance
The government argues that an infrastructure-oriented fund can provide long-term stability and attract capital for essential projects. However, Muturi’s critique centers on how Kenya returns value to its taxpayers and whether the current fiscal environment allows for sweeping funded schemes without first addressing waste, leakage, and repetitive spending.
The broader discussion echoes a familiar question in public policy: can growth-friendly infrastructure coexist with prudent budgeting and transparent management in a constrained economy?
As Kenya weighs its options, the debate highlights two complementary paths—tightening governance to maximize existing resources and designing investment vehicles like the Infrastructure Fund with clear mandates, measurable outcomes, and strong accountability. This approach could ensure that infrastructure projects support immediate needs while safeguarding the country’s long-term fiscal health.
