The government on Wednesday, April 1, has unveiled the Governing Council of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), bringing together senior state officials and private sector leaders to guide financing for key development projects.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has been appointed chairperson of the council, placing the National Treasury at the centre of efforts to mobilise resources for infrastructure development.
Attorney General Dorcus Oduor and Central Bank of Kenya Governor Kamau Thugge will serve as statutory members, providing legal and financial oversight.
The council also includes independent members drawn from the private and regional financial sectors. They are Benedict Oramah, chair of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), KCB Group CEO Paul Russo, Kenya Pipeline Company chair Faith Boinett, and Liberty Holdings Limited chair Richard Etemesi.
The establishment of the council signals a renewed push by the government to unlock alternative financing for infrastructure amid growing fiscal constraints.
The National Infrastructure Fund is designed to mobilise long-term capital for major projects in sectors such as transport, energy, water and housing—areas that have historically relied heavily on external borrowing and public expenditure.
By incorporating private sector players into its governance structure, the fund is expected to enhance investor confidence and support blended financing models, including public-private partnerships.
The move aligns with ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at reducing reliance on debt while sustaining development spending, as the government seeks to close financing gaps that have slowed the rollout of critical infrastructure projects.
The Governing Council will be responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing investments and ensuring accountability in the management of the fund as it begins to take shape.
