Ruto signals IFC interest in Kenya’s infrastructure fund projects
By Kiprono Keileb, December 4, 2025President William Ruto has said Kenya’s new Infrastructure Fund is attracting strong attention from international partners, signalling what could become one of the country’s biggest investment windows in years.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, November 4, 2025, after meeting the International Finance Corporation (IFC) leadership in Washington, D.C., the President said Kenya’s restructured approach to financing development is beginning to draw confidence from global institutions keen on long-term projects.
“Our innovative approach to development financing, including the establishment of an Infrastructure Fund, is drawing strong interest from partners. This model will accelerate the realisation of our national development goals,” the statement reads.
He added that during his talks with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, the institution expressed willingness to invest through the proposed fund, a signal that Kenya’s attempt to shift from pure borrowing to blended financing is gaining momentum.
“We welcome the IFC’s confidence in the proposed Infrastructure Fund and appreciate their interest in investing,” he said.
Ruto disclosed that the government will host an IFC mission early next year, led by Vice President for Industries Mohamed Gouled, to advance negotiations on several flagship projects.
“We also look forward to hosting an IFC delegation in Kenya early next year, to advance discussions on energy and infrastructure investment, especially the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport under the Public Private Partnership model,” the statement reads.
He noted that IFC’s interest is not limited to aviation infrastructure. According to the President, the discussions also covered road expansion and scaling up clean energy, areas Kenya sees as critical to unlocking new economic value.
“Other areas of partnership include the expansion of major roads, generation and transmission of geothermal, hydro and wind power,” he added.
The talks come as the government increasingly leans on private capital and international financiers to reduce pressure on public debt while still pushing ahead with major economic projects. Ruto said that the engagement with IFC is part of a wider strategy to create a forward-looking partnership grounded in transparency and sound governance.
The President concluded that the government remains committed to mobilising investment that boosts jobs, lowers the cost of doing business and strengthens long-term growth.