Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has slammed President William Ruto's proposal for a Ksh1.5 trillion infrastructure fund, calling it burdensome for overtaxed Kenyans. In a statement, the Democratic Party of Kenya leader offered five alternatives to raise the funds without new taxes. Muturi emphasized stopping corruption and government waste as key solutions.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Justin Muturi, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and leader of the Democratic Party of Kenya, issued a statement criticizing President William Ruto's plan for a Ksh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund. Muturi argued that the proposal would further strain Kenyans already 'overtaxed, overburdened, and squeezed to the bone.'
The criticism came a day after Ruto, speaking at the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Nakuru County on Monday, revealed the government's need for Ksh1.5 trillion to fund infrastructure projects including roads, railways, airports, and power initiatives. He noted that the current fiscal space could not accommodate such spending through traditional budgets, proposing instead to attract resources from capital markets via the dedicated fund.
'President William Ruto's latest proposal for an Infrastructure Fund, said to raise over Ksh1.5 trillion for roads, illustrates the tragic irony of our times: a government that loots with one hand and begs with the other,' Muturi stated. He added, 'Let us be clear: Kenya does not suffer from a shortage of money. It suffers from a shortage of honesty in leadership. If the President truly wants to build roads, he should start by building trust.'
Muturi outlined five alternatives to fund the projects. First, stop graft, as 'billions are lost monthly in inflated contracts, ghost projects, and kickbacks,' which could pave major roads without new taxes. Second, end government waste on lavish foreign trips, unnecessary offices, luxury cars, and delegations. Third, empower competent professionals to manage projects transparently, sidelining political cronies. Fourth, prioritize better planning for healthcare, education, and food security over infrastructure if it neglects citizens' well-being. Finally, enforce accountability by tracing every shilling spent and strengthening independent oversight institutions.