Friday, 14 August 2026

Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Friday, 14 August 2026

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Kenyan press · Organization

National Infrastructure Fund

Also known as: NIF · HIF

National Infrastructure Fund — Kenya's Sh350 billion development capital pool financed through partial privatisation, aimed at financing water, roads, energy and other strategic infrastructure projects.

2026-04-252026-08-14

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
8 MayCapital News
… On water and irrigation, William Ruto pledged the construction of mega dams through the National Infrastructure Fund to support irrigation farming, livestock and domestic water supply. …
Ruto: Era of Marginalisation and Discrimination in Kenya is Over
6 MayCapital News
… Key policy decisions The groups also warn that key policy decisions tied to IMF-supported programmes—including fiscal reforms, debt management strategies and the operation of new financing mechanisms such as the National Infrastructure Fund—could be influenced by the report’s fin …
Civil groups demand release of IMF governance report in Kenya within 30 days
4 MayThe Standard
… Chege lauded Ruto for his development programme that includes affordable houses, SHA, among others. “There are leaders in Kenya, but Ruto has touched the lives of the venerable persons in the community,” she said.Ms Wahome said the National Infrastructure Fund will fund the const …
I'm not scared of United Opposition, says Ruto
2 MayThe Standard
… The groups also urged legislators to protect the independence of oversight institutions, such as the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General, from interference by the executive."The parliament should ensure that both the Sovereign Wealth Fund and National Infrastructure Fund …
Lobby groups seeks withdrawal of Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill
April 2026
29 AprCapital News
… astructure Fund which will not only gives them a bigger stake and better returns but also enable them to play a crucial role in elevating Kenya’s roads, railways, airports and seaports among others. “We are inviting the private sector to invest in the National Infrastructure Fund …
Kindiki Calls on Investors to take Advantage ofInfrastructure Fund for Better Returns
29 AprCapital News
… The President said the government has raised enough funds for the National Infrastructure Fund and from the private sector to undertake the critical project. …
Ruto links power push to Microsoft-led data centre investment
25 AprThe Standard
… Thus, the public discussion about the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) is framed through these investments and consequent debt pressures. …
Why National Infrastructure Fund is key for growth

Politics

Kindiki urges Kenya to shield development from policy shifts

The News

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned that frequent changes to government policies could undermine Kenya's development, urging the country to shield long-term programmes from political interference and focus on building a sustainable national agenda. He cited economic stabilisation under President William Ruto's administration, including inflation below six per cent, $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment last year, and a reduction in the Central Bank lending rate to commercial banks from 13.5 per cent to 8.75 per cent.

12 August 2026 · Capital News →

Wednesday 12 August

Kindiki urges Kenya to shield development from policy shifts
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned that frequent changes to government policies could undermine Kenya's development, urging the country to shield long-term programmes from political interference and focus on building a sustainable national agenda. He cited economic stabilisation under President William Ruto's administration, including inflation below six per cent, $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment last year, and a reduction in the Central Bank lending rate to commercial banks from 13.5 per cent to 8.75 per cent.
12 August 2026 · Capital News →
Government calls engineers to lead Kenya's economic planning role
The Government has called for engineers to take a central role in Kenya's economic planning, saying the profession is key to meeting the country's ambitions for sustainable development, climate resilience and quality infrastructure. Speaking at a conference at Kenyatta University, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said engineers must move beyond project implementation to become key partners in economic planning, infrastructure financing and policy formulation.
12 August 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 6 August

Government calls engineers to advise economic planning and infrastructure
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged engineers to take a more strategic role in Kenya's economic planning and public investment, saying engineering expertise is essential for delivering sustainable infrastructure and long-term economic growth. Speaking at the Second African Journal of Engineering Research and Innovation conference at Kenyatta University, Mbadi said economic planning and engineering are inseparable, with every national development plan eventually becoming an engineering project.
6 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 4 August

Harrison Keter elected IEK President for 2026–2028
Eng. Harrison Keter has been elected President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya for the 2026–2028 term, succeeding Eng. Shammah Kiteme. Keter, an engineer with over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, pledged to strengthen the profession's role in Kenya's infrastructure and economic development.
4 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 3 August

Government to lower fertiliser and seed costs amid poor rainfall
President Ruto announced that the Government will reduce the cost of fertiliser and seeds to help farmers plant during expected September and October rains, following below-average rainfall that has affected crop production. As a long-term measure, the Government plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium and 1,000 micro dams to expand irrigation farming in arid and semi-arid areas.
3 August 2026 · Capital News →

Sunday 2 August

Ruto calls for inclusive process to replace Vision 2030
President William Ruto has called for national unity and broad public participation to develop a new long-term national development blueprint to succeed Vision 2030, arguing that the current framework nearing its implementation timeline should be replaced with a plan aligned with Kenya's 2010 Constitution.
2 August 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 30 July

Ruto to deliver special national address Thursday evening
President William Ruto will address the nation on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. from State House, Nairobi. The address will focus on charting the way forward for the nation's development and an ambitious vision, following receipt of a report on developing a new national vision to succeed Vision 2030.
30 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ruto invites national dialogue to chart Kenya's next development agenda
President William Ruto has invited Kenyans to participate in a national conversation to shape Kenya's long-term development vision, to be formally launched on August 12. He acknowledged that Kenya is off course to achieve Vision 2030's target of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030, and called for the dialogue to move beyond partisan politics and electoral cycles to unite around a shared national destiny.
30 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 21 July

Ruto announces universal government funding for university students
President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce universal government funding for all students admitted to universities and colleges, abandoning the controversial means-tested model. The government has submitted amendments to Parliament to anchor the new framework in law, with Ruto urging lawmakers to fast-track the legislation before universities reopen in September.
21 July 2026 · Capital News →

Wednesday 15 July

Kenya's wealthy shift investments from real estate to securities
Kenya's dollar millionaires are moving away from real estate towards private capital pooling investments such as the National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund, along with other debt instruments, seeking liquidity and higher returns, according to a new report.
15 July 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 13 July

National Infrastructure Fund establishes Kenya's largest development capital pool
Kenya has established the National Infrastructure Fund with approximately Sh347 billion capitalised from partial privatisation of Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline Company, positioning it as one of Africa's largest pools of development capital. The Fund aims to mobilise long-term equity capital and systematically develop nationally significant infrastructure through commercially viable enterprises.
13 July 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 12 July

Ruto appeals to Kalonzo over Ukambani representation in government
President William Ruto extended an olive branch to Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka while speaking at a church service in Kitui County, pledging to give Ukambani its "rightful share" and emphasising the broad-based government formed after the 2024 Gen Z-led protests as a path to national unity and prosperity.
12 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President says Sh350bn infrastructure fund drives Kenya's transformation
President William Ruto said the Sh350 billion National Infrastructure Fund will finance major development projects in water, roads, energy and other strategic infrastructure across the country, including dams for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions to strengthen food security and agricultural exports.
12 July 2026 · Capital News →
Ruto warns against tribal politics hindering Kenya's development
President William Ruto told a congregation in Kitui that tribal politics and bad alliances have derailed the country's progress, assuring that no region will be left behind. He announced that Kenya has acquired Sh10.6 billion for the completion of Thwake Dam, set for commissioning in April 2027.
12 July 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 11 July

Government raises Sh350bn for National Infrastructure Fund
The government has raised Sh350 billion for the proposed National Infrastructure Fund within three months, marking the first milestone in President Ruto's strategy to finance Kenya's infrastructure without relying solely on public debt. The fund aims to grow to Sh5 trillion and finance projects including clean energy production, dam construction, road development, and expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
11 July 2026 · Capital News →
Treasury CS defends National Infrastructure Fund board appointments
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended appointments to the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) board, saying the selection process was transparent, competitive and merit-based, overseen by a seven-member independent panel comprising senior professionals from banking, legal and public sectors.
11 July 2026 · Capital News →

Friday 10 July

Government releases Sh3bn to 122,000 youth under NYOTA phase two
The government has released more than Sh3 billion under the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme to support over 122,000 young entrepreneurs. The initiative includes a two-year waiver on county business permit fees for all beneficiaries.
10 July 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 9 July

Treasury CS Mbadi appoints six members to NIF Board
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has appointed six members to the National Infrastructure Fund Board for a three-year term effective July 8, 2026, under the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026. The appointees include Centum CEO James Mworia Mwirigi, Fahima Ali Ahmed Zein, Christopher Kibui Maranga, Latoya Ouna, Lawrence Kibet, and Mohammed Abdirahman Hassan, selected from 78 applicants.
9 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 8 July

Kenya enacts Sovereign Wealth Fund law modeled on Norway
President William Ruto has signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law, establishing a framework that will set aside 30 percent of revenue from Kenya's petroleum and mineral resources for future generations. The fund operates on three pillars: the Urithi Fund for future generations, a Stabilization Fund to serve as a buffer during crises, and the National Infrastructure Fund to finance strategic projects.
8 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President Ruto assents to Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill 2026
President William Ruto has assented to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026, which establishes a framework for managing and investing revenues from mineral and petroleum resources, dividends from public investments, and privatisation proceeds to protect Kenya's economy from unforeseen events.
8 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya signs Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill into law
President William Ruto signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law on Wednesday, July 8, creating a legal mechanism to save part of Kenya's oil, mineral and privatisation earnings while protecting the funds from political misuse and debt repayment. The law requires at least 30 per cent of resources channelled into the fund to be locked away for future generations and bars cash withdrawals within three months of a General Election unless the fund's board, Parliament and the auditor general approve.
8 July 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 5 July

Ruto vows to prevent tribal politics from thriving in Kenya
President William Ruto said he would not allow tribal politics to thrive and urged Kenyans to shun those who preach it, stating that national unity is the foundation of a strong society and that economic progress depends on collective effort and trust.
5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ruto vows to prevent tribal politics in Kenya
President William Ruto urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and those who preach it, saying national unity is the foundation of prosperity and that his government is focused on unity-driven development where economic progress depends on collective effort.
5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ruto attacks Manyatta MP Mukunji over divisive politics
President William Ruto has criticised Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a first-term lawmaker and ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying a one-term MP cannot teach him politics. Speaking at a church service in Embu County, Ruto dismissed such criticism as "noise" and said Kenyans would judge leaders by their development record rather than political rhetoric.
5 July 2026 · Capital News →
Ruto criticizes tribal politics and abusive political rhetoric
President William Ruto criticized leaders using abusive language to stir ethnic divisions and urged Kenyans to judge politicians by their development record rather than divisive rhetoric. Speaking at a church service in Embu, Ruto said his administration will not tolerate tribal politics and ruled out collaborating with leaders who rely on tribalism, insults, and hate speech.
5 July 2026 · The Standard →
Government pushes Cooperative Bill to strengthen Saccos governance
The government is advancing a Cooperative Bill in Parliament to modernise Kenya's cooperative movement, strengthen governance, protect over Sh1 trillion in Sacco member savings, and improve accountability. Deputy President Kindiki urged Parliament to fast-track the legislation to enable cooperatives to compete in an increasingly digital economy.
5 July 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 4 July

Mbadi defends government's partial Safaricom stake sale
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government's partial sale of its Safaricom stake, saying it was lawful and transparent and intended to finance infrastructure rather than budget deficits. Mbadi rejected opposition criticism, stating the divestiture followed extensive public participation and parliamentary approval.
4 July 2026 · Capital News →

Friday 3 July

Kindiki defends government share sales to fund infrastructure projects
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the sale of the government's stake in listed agencies, saying it will raise funds for mega infrastructure projects and ease pressure to borrow or raise taxes. The National Infrastructure Fund has received Ksh.100 billion from the sale of a stake.
3 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kindiki defends government agency stake sales for infrastructure funding
Deputy President Kindiki said the government is selling stakes in government agencies to raise funds for the National Infrastructure Fund, which will finance major infrastructure projects including water, irrigation, and agricultural development.
3 July 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 2 July

NWHSA unveils 2026/2027 roadmap to boost water security
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority announced its ambitious roadmap for the 2026/2027 financial year, focusing on completing flagship dam projects, expanding water harvesting programmes and strengthening institutional accountability to improve water security across Kenya.
2 July 2026 · The Standard →