President William Ruto is expected to sign the Government-Owned Enterprises (GOE) Bill into law on November 21, marking a major step in Kenya’s efforts to reform state corporations and strengthen infrastructure development. The Bill, already approved by both Houses of Parliament, will introduce a comprehensive legal framework to guide the establishment, governance, and performance of government-owned entities.
The new law is central to the administration’s plan to enhance accountability and improve the efficiency of state corporations, many of which play vital roles in transport, utilities, and energy. Over the years, concerns about governance and operational inefficiencies have affected the performance of several state agencies. The GOE Bill seeks to address these gaps by tightening oversight, improving management structures, and setting out clear public service obligations.
A key feature of the Bill is its provision for the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF). The Fund is expected to mobilise public and private sector resources to finance large-scale national projects. This aligns with President Ruto’s plan to pursue innovative and sustainable financing models to reduce reliance on borrowing and avoid placing additional burdens on taxpayers.
During his State of the Nation Address, President Ruto emphasised that Kenya’s development ambitions—from roads and energy to water systems, logistics, education, and digital networks—require bold and long-term investment strategies. He highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in attracting regional and global capital to support these projects.
The President also outlined several major infrastructure initiatives planned for the coming decade. These include dualling 2,500 kilometres of highways, tarmacking 28,000 kilometres of roads, modernising key airports and ports, improving Kenya Airways’ performance, and extending the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and later to Malaba starting January 2026. The estimated cost of these projects is Sh5 trillion.
The signing of the GOE Bill will be a significant milestone in Kenya’s public sector reforms. It reinforces the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalisation of state institutions while laying the foundation for ambitious national infrastructure growth.
