A Kenyan businessman has called on the government to channel part of the KSh 5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) into strategic investments that could position the country at the centre of the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
As AI continues to reshape industries across the world, the investor argued that Kenya risks missing out on one of the biggest economic opportunities of the century unless it makes bold investments in digital infrastructure, data centres, research, and emerging technologies.
His proposal comes at a time when the government is seeking to mobilise up to KSh 5 trillion over the next decade through the National Infrastructure Fund, a financing vehicle designed to support major projects in transport, energy, water, and other sectors. The fund was established to reduce reliance on public debt and attract private capital into large-scale development projects.
According to the businessman, Kenya should look beyond traditional infrastructure such as roads and railways and invest in sectors that are expected to drive future economic growth. He identified four key investment areas that could help the country tap into the AI boom while creating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
Among the proposed areas are large-scale data centres, advanced digital infrastructure, AI research and development hubs, and technology-focused innovation ecosystems capable of supporting startups and global technology firms.
The call aligns with growing efforts by the government to position Kenya as a regional technology powerhouse. Recent investment conferences have attracted billions of shillings in commitments across ICT, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and other sectors, reflecting increasing investor confidence in the country’s digital economy.
Experts have noted that artificial intelligence is expected to become a major driver of global economic growth over the coming decades. Countries that invest early in computing infrastructure, skilled talent and innovation are likely to reap significant benefits through increased productivity, job creation and technological exports.
Kenya has already earned recognition as East Africa’s “Silicon Savannah,” with growing investments in cloud computing, fintech and digital services. Industry observers believe strategic investments through the National Infrastructure Fund could accelerate the country’s transition into a leading AI and technology hub on the continent.
The National Infrastructure Fund remains one of the government’s flagship economic initiatives, with plans to mobilise private and institutional capital for transformative projects while reducing dependence on borrowing. The fund is expected to play a critical role in shaping Kenya’s economic future, making decisions on where the money is invested increasingly important.
