Gov't set to complete over 6000kms of roads across the country: DP Kindiki

The government will ensure completion of 6000kms of roads countrywide that have stalled since 2020 after clearing pending bills owed to contractors, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.

The DP stated that contractors have been instructed to hasten construction works and strictly adhere to completion dates without compromising the quality of the roads that are spread across the country.

Speaking on Thursday when he inspected the construction of the 66kms Taveta-Challa-Njukini-Rombo-Illasit Road, Prof. Kindiki said the economy is now stable because of fruitful interventions by the government since 2022 hence the focus on completion of stalled roads and commencement of others.

“We are now focused on completing the 6000kms that had stalled since 2020. All the contractors have been paid and they are back on site. The roads will be completed in the next few months,” he stated.

The DP later addressed residents of Challa town along the critical road connecting Taita Taveta and Kajiado Counties.

The government has settled Ksh.177 billion in pending bills paving the way for the completion of the roads and commencement of other crucial projects.

“We expect the contractors to ensure timely completion of the road projects without compromising the quality of works,” the DP noted.

The second-in-command said the Taveta-Challa-Njukini-Rombo-Illasit Road is progressing as promised by President Ruto when he earlier visited this area.

“The people here have been waiting for this road for over 50 years. Many governments have come and gone without delivering it despite promising to do so.

It has been a challenge for many farmers to get their produce to the market because of the poor state of this road but they will no longer suffer because their produce will be delivered on time,” he said.

While challenging the contractor not to compromise on the quality of the road, the DP assured that the project will be completed by December this year.

“The contractor indicated the completion date as May 2027 but we have told him that this road should be completed by December this year. We want the entire road to be completed by December 31. I will be here to ensure it is delivered on time and the President will come to officially open it,” the DP noted.

He told off the opposition for specializing in cheap and divisive talk instead or providing alternative ideas to what the government is implementing.

“The opposition is focused on empty and divisive talk but we remain determined to improve the lives of the people through better roads and other key infrastructure projects touching on all Kenyans,” he stated.

Taveta MP John Bwire said the residents were grateful for the road after suffering for years from empty promises by those in the previous governments.

“The people of Taveta are grateful for this road. We have waited for it for a long time. The residents here have no doubt who they will vote for in the next elections because they have seen the development President Ruto’s government has brought to this area,” he said.

Also present were Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika, former Area Governor John Mruttu, former Woman Representative Joyce Lay, host of MCAs among other leaders.