The government is stepping up efforts to get ongoing infrastructure projects completed, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki saying Sh179 billion owed to road contractors has already been paid.
Kindiki said the payments are part of a wider effort to prevent projects from stalling because of funding delays and ensure works are delivered within the timelines set by the government.
He spoke on Wednesday during an inspection tour of development projects in Maragua Constituency, where he visited the ongoing Gakoigo Stadium and Mbombo-Kwa Thamaki Road projects.
Sh1.2 billion road project gets deadline
The Deputy President said Sh1.2 billion has been allocated for the Mbombo-Kwa Thamaki Road and directed the contractor to complete the project within less than a year.
He said contractors must stick to agreed schedules while maintaining the required standards of construction.
Kindiki said the government’s development programme covers several areas, including roads, markets, sports facilities, affordable housing and student hostels.
He added that the government was continuing to release funds for both ongoing projects and new developments.
Government links projects to local jobs
Kindiki also called for communities hosting government projects to benefit directly from the investments.
He said young people should be given employment opportunities where projects are being implemented, linking infrastructure spending to local economic activity.
The Deputy President further urged contractors to complete their assignments within the agreed periods and ensure that the quality of completed works meets the required standards.
Farmers urged to use rains
During the tour, Kindiki also urged farmers in agriculturally productive areas to take advantage of the rains and increase food production.
He said the government would continue supporting farmers with certified seeds and other farm inputs at affordable prices.
Residents in areas considered vulnerable to disasters were meanwhile advised to follow instructions from security and disaster-response agencies as the country prepares for expected El Niño rains.
Kindiki said the government was prepared to support communities that could be affected by the weather and take measures aimed at reducing the impact of disasters.
Kindiki calls for issue-based politics
The Deputy President also used the visit to call for peaceful politics and greater regional unity.
He said political competition should focus on issues rather than insults and chaos, which he described as harmful to the country’s progress.
Kindiki was accompanied by Maragua MP Mary Waithera, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and other leaders during the inspection tour.
