President Ruto announces release of Ksh.20B to road contractors next week

The momentum of road construction got a major boost with President William Ruto's announcement that Ksh.20 billion will be paid to contractors beginning next week.

The release of the funds, the President pointed out on Thursday, would ensure uninterrupted construction of roads in all parts of the country.

His announcement comes barely a month after the government completed paying road contractors pending road bills worth Ksh.177 billion in February. Some of the bills had been pending since 2020. 

The settlement of pending bills had paved the way for resumption of road construction.

Speaking at the Africa Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Mahiga in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri, President Ruto said the county had been allocated Ksh.8 billion for expansion of roads in all the constituencies.

"The tarmacking of Mau Mau roads, which had stalled, is now going on, while several others are being improved to ease movement of goods and services," he said.

He also pointed out that the Kenol-Marua dual carriageway, which straddles Murang'a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties, is now 90 per cent complete, up from 30 per cent in 2022.

"When completed, the dual carriageway will be extended to Nyeri town and Nanyuki," the President announced.

At the same time, the Head of State said the government has given priority to equitable development across Kenya, ensuring that no region is left behind.

The President said the government is focusing on the development of infrastructure, education, housing, agriculture, water, and health projects in all parts of the country.

He explained that the government is implementing the promises it made to Kenyans in all parts of the country.

"I want to assure Kenyans that my administration is implementing the promises it made to Kenyans without bias," he said.

In Nyeri County, President Ruto pointed out that the government has allocated Ksh.13 billion for the construction of 5,700 affordable houses.

Additionally, Ksh.1.8 billion has been set aside to build 18 modern markets, including at Othaya, Kagicha, and Ndunyu. Another market has been planned for Witima township.

Additionally, Ksh.130 million has been allocated to build hostels at the Kenya Medical Training College in Othaya.

At the same time, the President pointed out that the government elevated Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital in Othaya to national status and allocated it Ksh.500 million for upgrading of upgrade infrastructure and provision of the necessary equipment.

The former Provincial General Hospital in Nyeri town has also been allocated Ksh.1 billion to expand and provide the necessary infrastructure and equipment.

In sports, the President said Ruring'u Stadium in Nyeri town is being upgraded to modern status at a cost of Ksh.900 million.

"I have directed that the stadium be ready for use later this year in December," President Ruto.

On registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), the President commended residents of Nyeri for taking the lead.

"Nyeri is number five nationally with 543,000 people registered with SHA, translating to 70 per cent of the total population in the county. This is impressive," he said.

He pointed out that so far, SHA has paid hospitals in Nyeri County Ksh.3.2 billion for providing health services.

He also explained that the removal of cartels that had frustrated farmers, has yielded great results in the coffee sector, saying prices for a kilogramme of coffee cherry have gone from an average of Ksh.60 in 2022 to Ksh.160 today.

Responding to calls from church leaders for the government to intensify the war on drugs and alcohol abuse, President Ruto assured them that firm measures are being implemented to contain the vices.

He said the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has firm instructions to deal decisively and conclusively with drugs and alcohol abuse, including the traffickers.

He, however, said the fight against alcohol and drug abuse was a collective responsibility that all members of the society must participate.

"To defeat drugs and alcohol abuse, what is required is a whole-of-society approach, bringing together religious organisations, Government, and parents, among others," he explained.

He also told parents not to surrender their children to the care of foreign ideologies.

Additionally, President Ruto he would not relent in his efforts to unite Kenyans.

"We will unite all Kenyans and eradicate the politics of tribalism, seclusion, hatred and division," he pointed out.

He urged leaders to present their agenda to Kenyans instead of engaging in propaganda and insults, saying voters will judge leaders according to their track record in development.

"I have no doubt that when the right time comes, Kenyans will elect leaders with a clear record," he said.

Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutai thanked President Ruto for his commitment to addressing challenges facing the county, especially in the health sector.

He said he was grateful that the government has provided funds for the expansion of Mwai Kibaki National Referral Hospital, Nyeri County Referral Hospital (PGH) and Ruring'u Stadium, among other projects.

"I will continue to work closely with the National Government to address the challenges facing my county," Kahiga said.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and local MPs also spoke at the function.