CS Mbadi Responds To Explosive Standard Newspaper’s Headline
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has responded to The Standard newspaper’s headline implying that he acknowledged lying regarding the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), claiming that his comments were misconstrued.
Mbadi defended himself against allegations that he deceived MPs and Kenyans about the Ksh5 trillion fund.
On Wednesday, March 4, the CS spoke at the presentation of the Kenya Pipeline Company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) results.
My role as the CS for @KeTreasury is to communicate facts as they are, but I can't dictate how one interpretes the message thereafter, only that the interpretation should be properly contextualised.
— Hon. FCPA John Mbadi Ng'ongo, EGH (@JohnMbadiN) March 4, 2026
I boldly say: I didn't lie to the country as was reported by @StandardKenya. pic.twitter.com/eaL2fxCAQD
According to The Standard, Mbadi admitted in court that he misled MPs about the structure and legal status of the planned National Infrastructure Fund.
According to the newspaper’s Wednesday issue, Mbadi swore that NIF existed and was registered, only to notify the court that the Fund was never formed and that not even its name was secured.
Mbadi: Yes I lied
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) March 4, 2026
Introducing Platinum, Silver, and Emerald memberships tailored just for you! More choice. More value. More ways to power BOLD and factual journalism. Stay informed with The Standard E-Paper and INSiDER delivered straight to your device anywhere! Enjoy unlimited… pic.twitter.com/bu1aQgOsYU
The journal questioned who authorized the Fund’s establishment, even as the High Court investigates the validity of the private investment vehicle.
However, the CS strenuously refuted the allegations, claiming that there was no inconsistency in his words and that the Fund was currently before Parliament for approval.
“Let me be very clear, the National Infrastructure Fund Bill is in the National Assembly. It is not going to the Senate, and the debate about it is almost concluded, so we have the Fund,” Mbadi said.
“This is because we know that Kenyans are very interesting, you can wake up and find someone has already registered the national infrastructure fund as a political party, and now you will not be able to register it as an investment entity,” he added.
Mbadi called the newspaper title outrageous, arguing that communication gaps should not be interpreted as dishonesty.
“My role is to communicate. But I cannot determine how you understand me,” the CS reiterated.
“You also have the right to try to manipulate what I say. But what I said will remain.”
ALSO READ:
- Gov’t Sends KDF To Kasarani, Other Flood-Hit Areas As Met Department Issues Warning
- Ruto Set To Address Tanzanian Parliament Next Week
- KDF On The Spot Over Shooting Range Stray Bullets, Residents Confirm Injuries
- TWO Police Officers Sentenced To 40 Years In Prison Over Cell Murder
- EACC Raids FKF Offices As Embattled President Lays Bare On Alleged Insurance Scandal
During the meeting, the CS emphasised that NIF is not designed to operate through the usual government budget allocation process.
Instead as an investment vehicle aimed at attracting private-sector capital into national projects.
“This fund is to pump private sector investment into projects. Do not look at it like a donor somewhere to give money to a project,” Mbadi stated.
He said every project proposed under the Fund would undergo feasibility studies and commercial viability assessments before funding approval.
CS Mbadi Responds To Explosive Standard Newspaper’s Headline
