Kenyans puzzled after President Ruto vows to dual Nairobi-Thika Road...again?

President William Ruto has sparked public debate after stating that his administration plans to dual the Thika Superhighway, a road that has already been dualled for more than a decade.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama report release at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, the President outlined his government’s ambition to dual 2,500 kilometres of roads nationwide as part of a broader plan to transition Kenya into a first-world economy.

“Barabara tumeanzisha kutoka Rironi, the first 170km, tunatengeneza lane nne. Ikifika Naivasha tunapanua inakuwa lane sita mpaka Nakuru ndo tuwache msongamano," he said. 

“Hii barabara ya kuenda Ongata Rongai na Ngong tunafanya dual carriageway. Barabara ya kutoka Thika mpaka hapa Nairobi, next year tunafanya dual carriageway."

The statement immediately drew public attention, with many Kenyans questioning why the government would prioritise dualling a road that already meets that standard.

The Thika Superhighway was expanded and fully dualled by the administration of the late President Mwai Kibaki at a cost of Ksh.31 billion, with the upgraded road officially opened in November 2012.

Ruto’s remarks have fueled renewed scrutiny over the government’s infrastructure projects, with many questioning whether the statement was simply a slip of the tongue by the Head of State.

Others also likened Ruto's remarks to his admiration for transforming Kenya into Singapore.

"It’s like the meaning of ‘dual’ in this new Singapore is different," read some of the comments online, with another satting: "Unless I don't know what dualling is, Thika Road is already dualled!" 

"It's so ironic to see this dude unapologetically make more promises despite not fulfilling most of the promises he made during the campaign period," said yet another Kenyan on X. 

During the event, President Ruto hailed the Members of Parliament for passing the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that would be ideal in financing several projects lined up in the coming year. 

The NIF is a Fund that introduces a financing architecture that leverages capital markets, diversifies ownership through privatisation, and uses PPP frameworks to channel private capital into public priorities.

On the other hand, the SWF sets aside royalties from natural resources and proceeds of the privatisation of national assets to be invested in the Fund. 

"Hivyo ndivyo nchi zingine zote zilifanya. Tutaweka pesa ya budget, tutaweka proceeds ya privatisation. Tutaweka pesa ya royalties ya kutoka minerals tukonayo. Tutaweka pesa ya private sector ambayo tutazungumza na wao and we're going to take this country forward," Ruto stated.  

"Si ati inaanza miaka gani, inaanza next year. Najua kuna watu wanafikiria mimi naongea mambo ya uchaguzi, naongea mambo ya transformation. Uchaguzi utakuja na siku moja na itapita, transformation is what will take this country to the next level."