NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Attorney General and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has voiced concern over President William Ruto’s proposed Sh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund, warning that the plan could intensify financial pressure on Kenyans already struggling with a heavy tax burden.
In a statement on Tuesday, Muturi said infrastructure development remains essential for national growth but argued that the proposed Fund must be anchored in accountability and careful financial planning.
“The country needs integrity, discipline, and competence in managing public resources,” Muturi said, cautioning that additional levies or poorly structured financing mechanisms risk worsening the economic strain on citizens.
He faulted the government’s approach to financing development, saying Kenya’s core challenge is not a shortage of money but weak oversight, wastage, and inefficiency in how public funds are managed.
“If resources are properly managed, the country can finance key infrastructure projects without imposing additional taxes,” he said.
Muturi called for tighter controls on public spending and urged the government to lead by example through austerity measures.
He pointed to recurrent expenditure, foreign travel, and what he termed as “luxury spending” within state institutions as areas that require urgent review.
“Reducing unnecessary delegations would demonstrate a real commitment to responsible governance,” he said, adding that fiscal discipline must begin at the highest levels of leadership.
President William Ruto’s latest proposal for an Infrastructure Fund, said to raise over KSh 1.5 trillion for roads illustrates the tragic irony of our times: a government that loots with one hand and begs with the other.
He further argued that development priorities must be balanced to ensure investments in healthcare, education, and agriculture are not overshadowed by large-scale infrastructure drives.
“True development must not come at the expense of citizens’ welfare. A strong nation is built by balancing roads, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods,” he said.
His remarks come as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi invites public views on the Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2025.
The Bill outlines a framework for managing revenues from natural resources and state assets through three portfolios: a Stabilization Fund, a Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, and a Future Generation (Urithi) Fund.
The government says the strategy will ensure national wealth is protected and shared across generations, while supporting long-term development.
