Former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has raised concerns over President William Ruto’s proposed Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund, questioning its practicality and timing amid economic strain on citizens.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Muturi said while investment
in infrastructure is vital for national development, the proposed Fund should
not come at the expense of accountability and prudent financial management.
“The country needs integrity, discipline, and competence in
managing public resources,” he said.
“Kenyans are already overburdened by taxes, and adding new
levies or funds without addressing wastage will only deepen their hardship.”
Muturi said the government should instead focus on sealing
financial loopholes and improving transparency in how existing funds are used.
He argued that
Kenya’s challenge is not a lack of money but inefficiencies in managing
available resources.
“What Kenya requires now is honest leadership and effective
utilization of public funds,” Muturi added.
“If resources are properly managed, the country can finance
key infrastructure projects without imposing additional taxes.”
He also urged the government to reduce recurrent spending
and adopt austerity measures within state institutions, noting that unnecessary
expenditure undermines public confidence and economic recovery efforts.
“Sound fiscal discipline must begin at the top,” Muturi
said.
“Reducing luxury spending and unnecessary delegations would
demonstrate real commitment to accountability and responsible governance.”
The former Attorney General emphasized that national priorities should balance infrastructure growth with investment in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.
He said development
should be inclusive, addressing the needs of ordinary citizens while supporting
economic growth.
“True development must not come at the cost of citizens’
welfare. A strong nation is built by balancing roads, schools, hospitals, and
livelihoods,” he added.
Muturi further called for stronger oversight mechanisms and
transparency in the use of public funds, saying every shilling must be
traceable to ensure public trust.
Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has invited
public views on the Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2025, which proposes a
framework for managing revenues from minerals, petroleum, and other government
sources.
According to the Treasury, the Fund — to be managed by the
National Treasury — will have three components: the Stabilization Fund, the
Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, and the Future Generation (Urithi)
Fund.
The proposed law aims to ensure that proceeds from natural resources and state investments are managed efficiently and benefit both current and future generations.
An infrastructure fund is an investment vehicle that pools capital to invest in physical assets and companies that provide essential public services.
These funds can offer stable, long-term returns and are often used by investors to diversify portfolios and hedge against inflation
