Mbadi: National Infrastructure board appointments guided by merit

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the appointment of members to the National Infrastructure Fund Board.

The CS dismissed claims the process was influenced by regional or ethnic considerations.

Those appointed under Section 13(1) of the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026, are James Mworia Mwirigi, Fahima Ali Ahmed Zein, Christopher Kibui Maranga, Latoya Ouna, Lawrence Kibet and Mohammed Abdirahman Hassan.

Speaking during an economic empowerment programme in Kisumu, Mbadi said the appointments followed a rigorous and transparent recruitment process conducted by an independent selection panel.

He said the successful candidates were selected solely on merit.

He said the National Infrastructure Fund is expected to play a critical role in mobilising resources for strategic infrastructure projects and driving Kenya's long-term economic transformation.

 As such, only qualified professionals should be entrusted with its leadership.

 "This fund is too important for us to compromise. We interviewed candidates, ranked them and selected the best based on their qualifications and performance," Mbadi said.

 The Cabinet Secretary said a seven-member panel drawn from the banking, legal and public sectors oversaw the recruitment process.

 The panel comprised former Africa Export-Import Bank President Prof Benedict Oramah, Kenya Commercial Bank chief executive Paul Russo, senior banking executive Richard James, Kenya Pipeline Board chairperson Faith Boinett, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge and the chairperson of the selection council.

 Mbadi said applicants from different parts of the country participated in the interviews, but only four positions were available, making the competition stiff.

 He also defended the appointment of one of the successful candidates from Siaya county, saying she secured the position through her expertise and professional experience rather than political connections or ethnic considerations.

"She was not appointed because she comes from Siaya. She earned the position because she has extensive experience in asset management and investment banking. She impressed the interview panel with her competence," he said.

 The Cabinet Secretary said the government remains committed to ensuring the National Infrastructure Fund succeeds, describing it as a key pillar in financing large-scale development projects that will spur economic growth and improve the country's infrastructure.

 He said President William Ruto and the National Treasury are determined to ensure the fund delivers on its mandate, adding that the calibre of individuals appointed reflects that commitment.

 "The National Infrastructure Fund will be a game changer for this country. The President and I are fully committed to its success because it will help finance transformative development projects," Mbadi said.

 He further noted that those appointed to the governing council and board were selected because of their integrity, competence, experience and proven professional track records.

 "We chose people whose character, capability and integrity cannot be questioned. We wanted professionals who can inspire confidence and steer this fund in the right direction," he said.

 Mbadi's remarks come amid public debate over the composition of the fund's leadership, with some critics alleging that certain regions were underrepresented in the appointments.

 However, the Treasury CS maintained the recruitment process was open, competitive and free from political interference. He insisted merit remained the only consideration throughout the exercise.