President William Ruto’s government has been served a stern warning over the country’s rising debt load. Ndindi Nyoro warned President William Ruto’s government against more loans. Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro sounded the fresh alarm, cautioning that the country faces a looming economic crisis if borrowing is not brought under control. Speaking at the Institute of Public Finance (IPF) stakeholders’ forum in Nairobi, Nyoro revealed that Kenya’s public debt has now hit KSh 12.4 trillion shillings.
What did Ndindi Nyoro say on Kenya’s debts? He further stated that in the last financial year alone, the government borrowed KSh 1.2 trillion, a figure he described as unsustainable. “Unless we sober up as a nation, the economy itself will eventually force us to sober up, and when that day comes, the consequences will be dire,” the legislator warned. Nyoro underscored that many large-scale development projects in the country, including roads, stadiums, and housing, are not being financed through foreign loans but by domestic revenue streams. Among them, he cited the fuel levy, which continues to shoulder much of the weight of infrastructure financing. The legislator pressed for what he termed logical and disciplined resource management, saying that Kenya can only reach its full potential as an economic powerhouse in the region if leaders stop reckless fiscal practices. What effect will tolling of Nairobi-Nakuru road have on businesses?
On infrastructure, Nyoro raised specific concerns over the proposed Nairobi–Nakuru toll road project, which is reportedly under consideration for financing through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). He strongly opposed the plan, warning that the road tolling system would increase costs for local businesses and risk redirecting trade to neighboring countries. TUKO.co.ke reached out to Nyoro for exclusive comment, where he reiterated his stance. “That road should be built, yes, but financed through internally generated resources, not tolls that punish Kenyans and our regional partners,” he said. Ndindi Nyoro warned against the proposed tolling of the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Nyoro further criticised the escalating fuel prices and the recently introduced housing levy, claiming that such policies are not only straining households but also crippling industries, shutting down opportunities for young people, and worsening unemployment. He also accused the government of prioritising political appeasement at the expense of economic growth. “The money you see those in power dishing out every day is budgeted from Kenyans’ pockets,” he remarked. He pointed out that even during his time as Chair of the National Assembly Budget Committee, he consistently rejected such practices. Nyoro’s remarks have injected new energy into the ongoing debate about Kenya’s fiscal path.
By Harry Ivan Mboto
