The appointment of Dr. James Mworia, MBS, Group Chief Executive Officer of Centum Investment Company Plc, to the Board of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) marks a significant milestone not only in his distinguished career but also in Kenya’s evolving approach to financing national development.
The National Infrastructure Fund was established under the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026, as a strategic vehicle to mobilize long-term capital for critical infrastructure projects across the country. With Kenya targeting the mobilization of approximately KES 5 trillion over the next five years, the Fund seeks to attract private investment, pension funds, development finance institutions, climate finance, and other sources of capital to support large-scale infrastructure development.
Historically, many infrastructure projects in Kenya have relied heavily on public borrowing, bilateral financing arrangements, and international debt markets. While these mechanisms have enabled significant progress in roads, energy, and public infrastructure, they have also increased pressure on public finances. The National Infrastructure Fund represents a deliberate shift toward more sustainable financing models by leveraging public capital to crowd in private sector investment and reduce reliance on sovereign debt.
The appointment of Dr. Mworia and other accomplished private sector leaders reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Fund is managed with strong governance, commercial discipline, and a long-term investment perspective. Throughout his career, Dr. Mworia has earned recognition as one of Africa’s leading investment professionals, having overseen the growth and transformation of Centum into one of the region’s most respected investment companies.
Under his leadership, Centum has successfully invested across real estate, financial services, power, healthcare, education, and technology sectors, creating substantial value for shareholders while contributing to economic development.
His experience in structuring complex investments, raising capital, managing large-scale development projects, and building strategic partnerships positions him uniquely to contribute to the success of the National Infrastructure Fund.
As Kenya seeks to attract both domestic and international investors into infrastructure projects, the presence of experienced investment professionals on the Board will be instrumental in enhancing investor confidence and ensuring prudent stewardship of resources.
The Fund’s investment priorities are expected to include transportation infrastructure, energy transmission and distribution, water and irrigation systems, logistics networks, and other strategic projects that support economic growth and national competitiveness. Such investments have the potential to improve productivity, create employment opportunities, stimulate private sector growth, and enhance the quality of life for millions of Kenyans.
Equally important will be the Board’s role in establishing robust governance frameworks, transparent procurement standards, and effective risk management mechanisms. For the Fund to achieve its objectives, it must demonstrate accountability, operational excellence, and a clear commitment to delivering value for money. These principles will be essential in attracting institutional investors and ensuring public trust.
Dr. Mworia’s appointment therefore comes at a pivotal moment in Kenya’s development journey. As the country seeks innovative ways to finance transformative infrastructure without placing excessive pressure on public finances, the National Infrastructure Fund has the potential to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
Beyond being a personal achievement, this appointment is a recognition of the value that experienced private sector leadership can bring to national development. It also underscores the increasingly important role of public-private collaboration in addressing some of the country’s most pressing infrastructure needs.
As the National Infrastructure Fund begins its work, stakeholders across government, business, and society will be watching closely. The decisions made today will shape Kenya’s infrastructure landscape for decades to come.
With leaders such as Dr. James Mworia serving on its Board, there is renewed optimism that the Fund can become a model for sustainable infrastructure financing, helping unlock growth, create opportunities, and build a stronger foundation for future generations.