The National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) Board proudly announces the appointment of Dr. James Mworia as the founding Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move advances the government’s initiative to operationalize an institution dedicated to mobilizing billions of shillings for significant infrastructure projects.
In a notice released on Monday, September 7, the board confirmed that Dr. Mworia’s appointment, which took effect immediately, resulted from a rigorous competitive recruitment process.
“The Board of the National Infrastructure Fund is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. James Mworia, MBS, as our founding Chief Executive Officer, effective September 7, 2026,” stated the board.
Established in March 2026, the NIF serves as a corporate institution aimed at financing large-scale public infrastructure by combining government seed capital with private sector investments.
This innovative fund seeks to diminish the government’s dependence on traditional borrowing and taxation for financing major public projects. By leveraging public resources, it aims to attract substantial private capital.
The NIF has set an ambitious target of mobilizing and investing up to Sh5 trillion to expedite infrastructure development throughout the nation.
Under this model, government capital will serve as a catalyst, drawing additional financing from private investors, including pension funds and international financial institutions.
The fund plans to source its initial capital from proceeds generated through the sale of government shares in state-owned enterprises and privatization initiatives.
The blended-finance model is crafted to ensure that every shilling committed by the government can attract as much as Sh10 from private sector partners.
The NIF board recognizes that Dr. Mworia’s extensive experience in investment management, enterprise development, and capital mobilization will be pivotal as the institution embarks on its operations.
“The Board is confident that Dr. Mworia’s proven track record in building institutions and enterprises, mobilizing capital, and bringing investments to market will empower NIF to deliver essential infrastructure, enhance Kenya’s capital markets, boost productivity, and strengthen Kenya’s global competitiveness,” the board affirmed.
With over 25 years of expertise in investment management, enterprise development, and capital allocation, Dr. Mworia has operated at the principal-investment level since 2005. He has also served as the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Plc for 17 years.
His appointment follows his recent addition to the NIF Board just two months prior, where Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi appointed him alongside five other members on July 8, 2026.
Dr. Mworia holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a CFA charterholder.
He is an esteemed member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and the CFA Institute.
This pivotal appointment aligns with the government’s commitment to establishing alternative financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects, especially in light of the growing need to manage public debt and reduce reliance on government borrowing.
