President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure development agenda, pledging Sh5 trillion in investments by 2032. The plan signals a shift from the government’s earlier hustler narrative, which focused on initiatives such as the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund), affordable housing, and universal health coverage, toward large-scale, high-cost infrastructure projects.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the fund’s transparency and political motivations. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro dismissed the National Infrastructure Fund as a “political ploy” aimed at winning voter support ahead of the 2027 elections. Nyoro, a vocal government critic since his removal as chairperson of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, urged the administration to provide a detailed account of the Sh4 trillion debt accumulated since it assumed office.

The debate highlights growing fiscal scrutiny and political divisions as Kenya balances ambitious infrastructure ambitions with demands for accountability. Analysts warn that without transparent implementation and oversight, the Sh5 trillion fund could exacerbate existing economic pressures while fueling partisan tensions ahead of the next general election.