Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), describing it as a strategic move to reduce Kenya’s dependence on loans from the IMF and World Bank while urging strict execution to ensure tangible benefits for citizens.

In a post on X on January 24, 2026, Olekina endorsed the fund, which is partly financed through the privatization of state-owned enterprises such as the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

“President @WilliamsRuto infrastructure fund (selling stakes in state-owned enterprises like Kenya Pipeline Company) is a smart plan to reduce Kenya’s dependence on Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank),” he said.

“It means fewer loans with harsh conditions, fewer tax increases, and less austerity pain for citizens, while unlocking more homegrown capital from privatisations.”

He acknowledged the fund’s limits given Kenya’s large fiscal needs, calling it “just a drop in the ocean compared to Kenya’s huge budget needs and borrowing habits,” but noted it could help break the debt cycle “if scaled right.”

Conditional support and accountability

Olekina’s support comes with a clear caveat. “To critics: Ruto is sincerely trying to deliver here, but my support is conditional. Those implementing it must not mess this up. Focus on execution that brings jobs, cheaper transport costs, and real benefits for everyday Kenyans, or the whole plan is pointless!” he stated.

The senator emphasised that the success of the initiative depends on transparent management, effective use of funds, and the delivery of tangible projects.

Fund structure and broader support

The NIF, approved by Cabinet in December 2025, is designed to raise trillions of shillings for priority sectors including roads, rail, energy, and irrigation, targeting Ksh 5 trillion overall. The fund draws resources from budget allocations, asset sales, capital markets, and public-private partnerships.

The government is selling a 65% stake in KPC through an IPO priced at Ksh 9 per share, aiming to raise over Ksh 100 billion, with proceeds largely directed to the fund rather than salaries or debt repayment.

Olekina’s backing aligns with support from leaders like Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who called the NIF “timely” for bridging project funding gaps, and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who described it as “long overdue” to address infrastructure deficits.