Centum CEO Mworia Among 78 Candidates for National Infrastructure Fund Board

Centum Investment Company’s Chief Executive James Mworia is among 78 candidates shortlisted for appointment to the board of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF). The fund is the State-backed investment vehicle expected to bankroll some of Kenya’s largest infrastructure projects.

The list also includes former National Social Security Fund managing trustee Alex Kazongo, Everstrong Capital Managing Director Henry Kinyua Kyanda and former Kenya National Highways Authority director Carey Okwiri Orege. Florence Tabu Birya, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, is also among the candidates.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi published the names ahead of interviews scheduled for June 29 and June 30. The process follows Section 13 of the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026.

The National Infrastructure Fund aims to mobilise private capital for infrastructure development. The government is targeting up to Sh5 trillion in investments by using public capital to crowd in private investors.

Projects expected to benefit from the fund include the planned modernisation and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as well as investments in transport, logistics, energy and other strategic sectors.

The fund’s nine-member board will oversee management, develop investment policies and mobilise resources for infrastructure projects. It will operate under oversight of the National Treasury.

The National Infrastructure Fund Act establishes a five-year investment plan aligned to national development priorities. Initial capital will come from disposal of government assets and privatisation of State-owned enterprises.

The government has already received part of the seed capital from the sale of a 65 percent stake in Kenya Pipeline Company for Sh106.3 billion. Proceeds from the planned sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to South Africa’s Vodacom Group are also expected to help capitalise the fund.

Mworia has led Centum since 2008. He is credited with transforming the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed investment firm into one of the region’s largest private investment companies with interests spanning real estate, financial services, manufacturing, energy and agribusiness.

The board appointments will play a key role in determining how the National Infrastructure Fund channels resources into road, port, energy and other critical projects. Analysts note that the fund’s success will depend on attracting substantial private capital while maintaining commercial discipline.