The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has set an ambitious target to complete all stalled road projects within the next two years, in a move aimed at boosting economic opportunities for Kenyans.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction works in Gachie, Kiambaa Constituency, KeRRA Chairman Anthony Mwaura announced that the projects will be finalized by 2027.
He attributed the renewed momentum to the government’s settlement of a significant portion of pending bills, some of which dated back to the COVID-19 pandemic period in 2020.
“All contractors have now returned to their sites after being paid what was owed to them,” said Mr. Mwaura. “Across the country, construction is back on track, and we have given contractors strict timelines. By 2027, every ongoing project should be completed.”
Mr. Mwaura also dismissed critics of the government, insisting that President William Ruto’s administration is delivering on its promises.
“All the roads that the President pledged to Kenyans will be delivered. We have the necessary resources from the Treasury and even donor partners, and we are committed to going beyond the promises made,” he affirmed.
He further noted that the completion of the projects would have a far-reaching impact on the economy by transforming rural livelihoods.
“These roads will open up villages, reduce the cost of transporting produce, and enable farmers to access markets more easily. This is how we will uplift the lives of Kenyans from the grassroots level,” Mr. Mwaura added.
“The impact of these roads will be felt at the grassroots level. Even small-scale traders, like Mama Mbogas, will now be able to move their produce from farms to markets with ease,” he said.
He explained that better roads would also enhance the dairy sector by ensuring milk gets from farms to cooling plants and onward to factories efficiently, while generally improving mobility as more routes become motorable.
“Wananchi value good roads, and they have long been pushing for them. These projects are going to be a real game-changer for the economy,” he added.
Mr. Mwaura further lauded President William Ruto’s commitment to reviving stalled road projects, citing the securitisation funding model as a key mechanism in bridging financing gaps and keeping projects on track.
“What I can assure Kenyans is to have faith in President William Ruto because he will deliver on every project he promised. We are fully committed to making it happen,” Mr. Mwaura pledged.
He added that critics who doubted the President’s promises can now see tangible progress with projects taking shape across the country.
On his part, KeRRA Acting Director General Eng. Jackson Magondu said road construction works have gained momentum following the government’s settlement of a significant portion of arrears owed to contractors.
“The government has stepped up road construction after reaching an agreement with contractors to resume work. KeRRA had arrears amounting to Sh50 billion, but those pending bills are now behind us,” Eng. Magondu said.
He revealed that KeRRA is currently implementing 20,000 kilometers of road projects nationwide, out of which 5,000 kilometers are being tarmacked while 7,000 kilometers are under graveling.
