KITUI, Kenya Jul 12 – President William Ruto has said the Sh350 billion mobilised through the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) will play a critical role in financing major development projects and accelerating Kenya’s transition into a first-world economy.

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Speaking at Nkiriana Grounds in Igembe North Constituency during the funeral service of Mzee Patrick Baikilanya, father of area MP Julius Taitumu, the President said the fund would support investments in water, roads, energy and other strategic infrastructure projects across the country.

Ruto said one of the priorities under the fund will be the construction of dams to improve water harvesting and storage, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, in order to expand agricultural production and strengthen food security.

He noted that Kenya has largely exhausted available arable land for farming, making irrigation and water storage projects essential for increasing productivity and boosting agricultural exports.

📌 What You Need to Know

The President said planned dam projects in Igembe and other dry regions of the country will benefit from financing under the National Infrastructure Fund.

The Head of State lamented that Kenya has constructed only about 20,000 kilometres of roads in more than six decades, compared to countries that have developed road networks stretching over one million kilometres within a similar period.

“The establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund will go a long way in supporting the construction of more roads, expanding electricity generation and financing other transformative projects that will make Kenya’s journey to a first-world economy a reality,” he said.

Among the projects highlighted by the President was the construction of a modern bridge across the Nithi River in neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County at a cost of Sh7 billion.

According to Ruto, the bridge is expected to improve safety along a route that has witnessed numerous fatal accidents over the years.

The President said the government has invested heavily in development projects in Meru County as part of its broader agenda to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya