Published on July 20, 2026 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 1 week by Kariuki Mwangi
By Correspondent
The Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Silas Kinoti, is reportedly among senior public officials seeking appointment as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure financing institutions.
Sources familiar with the recruitment process claim that Kinoti, whose tenure at KURA is nearing its conclusion, has intensified lobbying efforts to secure the influential position.
According to insiders, a series of meetings involving senior National Treasury officials and individuals said to be acting on Kinoti’s behalf have taken place in recent weeks as the recruitment process gathers momentum.
One source, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly, alleged that more than Sh150 million has been spent in efforts to influence the recruitment process.
The same sources further allege that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is aware of Kinoti’s candidature and is supportive of his bid. However, no official communication has been issued by the Deputy President’s office confirming the claims.
The National Infrastructure Fund was established under the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026, to mobilize long-term domestic and international capital for financing strategic infrastructure projects while reducing Kenya’s reliance on public borrowing.
The Fund is expected to oversee investments estimated at nearly Sh5 trillion in sectors including roads, railways, airports, seaports, electricity generation and transmission, water reservoirs, irrigation projects, digital infrastructure and other nationally significant developments.
Unlike traditional government agencies, the Fund is expected to operate on commercial principles under an independent Board of Directors, with the Chief Executive Officer serving as both the accounting officer and administrator responsible for the institution’s day-to-day operations, investment execution, capital mobilisation and implementation of the Board’s strategic vision.
The law requires the CEO to possess at least ten years of relevant professional experience, including five years in senior management, and to satisfy the integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The inaugural CEO will play a pivotal role in establishing the institution, attracting local and international investors, structuring infrastructure investments and ensuring prudent management of billions of shillings earmarked for Kenya’s long-term development agenda.
However allegations of lobbying and bribery could cast a shadow over the recruitment of one of the country’s most powerful public sector positions and raise questions about the transparency and credibility of the selection process.
