Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to road contractors in Kenya, stating that the government will no longer tolerate delays in completing road construction projects. He made this statement while inspecting the construction progress of the Gatiki-Gathugu-Mung'etho road in Mathira, Nyeri County. The 11-kilometer stretch of road is being undertaken by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURRA). Kindiki emphasized that the government has cleared the Sh175 billion owed to contractors across the country.
Kindiki stated that contractors have no option but to honour the terms of their agreements and deliver the projects within the agreed timelines. He added that the government will sever ties with non-performing contractors and reward diligent ones with additional contracts as a motivation. The Deputy President emphasized that the government is heavily investing in transport infrastructure to open up rural economies and create employment opportunities for hundreds of young people working on road construction sites.
The government is spending Sh45 billion to construct 775 kilometers of tarmac across the six constituencies in Nyeri. The Gatiki-Gathugu-Mung'etho road is expected to benefit farmers in Konyu by easing access to markets for their produce. Kindiki noted that the government aims to improve access to agricultural produce, particularly coffee and milk, which are the main economic activities in the area. He cited the example of dairy farmers who often have to pour milk due to poor roads.
Kindiki also highlighted the government's efforts in the agriculture sector, particularly in the coffee sub-sector. He stated that due to reforms, coffee farmers are now earning more from their coffee production, with each farmer taking home between Sh100 and Sh150 for every kilogram of cherry. In 2022, a coffee farmer was earning between Sh50 and Sh60 for a kilogram of cherry, but earnings per kilogram have doubled.
The Deputy President also spoke about the Last Mile Connectivity Project, which aims to connect 12,000 households with electricity. Out of the Sh650 million budget, Sh55 million will go towards connecting 717 households in the Mathira constituency with electricity. Kindiki emphasized that numerous projects being undertaken by the government are geared at improving the lives of Kenyans.
In Nyeri County alone, the government is constructing 13 Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets, 10 affordable housing projects, and 6 student accommodation projects. To improve access to healthcare, the government has set aside Sh1 billion for the expansion of the Mwai Kibaki hospital in Othaya and another Sh1 billion for the expansion of the Nyeri County Referral Hospital.
Kindiki called for unity and political tolerance among leaders as the country heads to the 2027 General Elections. He urged the Mount Kenya region to embrace peaceful political competition and remain united despite being affiliated with different political formations. The Deputy President emphasized that politics will come and go, but the region must remain united.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has cleared Sh175 billion owed to road contractors across the country.
- The government is investing Sh45 billion to construct 775 kilometers of tarmac across the six constituencies in Nyeri.
- Coffee farmers in Kenya are now earning between Sh100 and Sh150 for every kilogram of cherry, double the earnings in 2022.
