STATE HOUSE, Kenya –President William Ruto has announced the establishment of a National Infrastructure Fund aimed at expanding the country’s road and rail network, irrigation, and energy generation.
The national kitty is designed to mobilise finance for ambitious projects, including the construction of 50 dams, 20,000km of roads, particularly in rural areas, and dual 2,000km of highways. The initiative also seeks to generate an extra 10,000MW of electricity to facilitate manufacturing and industrialisation.
In a press communique released after meeting a World Bank delegation at State House, Dr. Ruto revealed that his administration has received full support from the bank for this bold decision.
He expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s support in national development and social sectors.
The World Bank delegation, led by Africa Executive Director of Africa Group One, Zarau Kibwe, praised the proposal to build 50 mega dams, which aims to expand land under irrigation by 2.5 million acres.
“It is Kenya’s only route to sustainable and increased agricultural production,” they emphasised.
With 85% of Kenya’s land classified as arid and semi-arid, irrigation has become a vital component for increasing food production and productivity. As rain-fed agriculture in the remaining 15% of arable land has reached its limits, this initiative is seen as a game-changer for the country’s agricultural sector.
To underscore the partnership’s commitment to fostering economic growth, the Bretton Woods institution continues to support Kenya’s social sector, including education, health, social protection, and human capital development.
