Opposition rejects infrastructure fund bill

Kenyan opposition leaders have urged Parliament to reject the Ministry of Finance's Infrastructure Bill, 2026 and halt the plan to sell government shares in Safaricom. They argue that the proposals threaten constitutional safeguards for public funds and strategic assets. They also call for an independent review and thorough assessment of assets before any action.

The United Opposition group has committed to opposing a bill proposing an infrastructure fund aimed at elevating Kenya to Singapore's standards. In a joint statement, opposition leaders have called on the National Assembly and its Finance and National Planning Committee to reject the bill entirely, along with Policy No. 3 of 2025, which seeks to reduce government ownership in the telecom firm Safaricom.

Safaricom operates the M-Pesa platform, which handles a significant portion of digital payments and government services in Kenya. The opposition has demanded an independent constitutional review of the fund proposal and a comprehensive assessment of strategic assets before any reduction in government shares.

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the proposed fund as a “solution that brings a problem.” He stated that Kenya's infrastructure gap stems not from a lack of financial mechanisms but from weaknesses in project implementation, corruption in procurement, and insufficient financial transparency. Additionally, Kenya already has over 60 public funds outside the National Treasury, many operating with low accountability standards.

The opposition maintains that these proposals endanger the constitutional protection of public finances and key national assets.

Liittyvät artikkelit

The national assembly has passed the national infrastructure fund bill (national assembly bill no. 1 of 2026), moving the legislation one step closer to becoming law. The bill, introduced by majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah, underwent its third reading and was approved by a large majority on Thursday, March 5. Opposition leaders have criticized the move and demanded treasury cabinet secretary John Mbadi be summoned over alleged contradictions in his statements.

Raportoinut AI

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has refuted reports claiming he admitted to lying about the National Infrastructure Fund. Speaking on March 4, 2026, he insisted the fund's bill is nearing approval in Parliament. He argued that communication gaps should not be seen as dishonesty.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned MPs that around 56% of them may not return to Parliament after the 2027 general elections due to political attrition. Speaking at a legislative retreat in Naivasha, he criticized parliamentary committees for harassing government officials and urged members to plan their pensions. He emphasized leaving a positive legacy through better laws and oversight.

Raportoinut AI

Leaders from Kenya's opposition parties met with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on January 28 to discuss concerns ahead of the 2027 elections. They agreed on a framework to address grievances and build trust. The meeting was described as constructive by participants.

Tämä verkkosivusto käyttää evästeitä

Käytämme evästeitä analyysiä varten parantaaksemme sivustoamme. Lue tietosuojakäytäntömme tietosuojakäytäntö lisätietoja varten.
Hylkää