The government has cleared all outstanding payments to road contractors totaling Sh177 billion, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced on Wednesday.
The move he said signals the resumption of major infrastructure projects that had stalled for years.
Speaking at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, during a briefing on ongoing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Kindiki said the pending bills, which had accumulated since 2020, had disrupted the construction of approximately 6,000 kilometers of roads across the country.
“The Government has cleared the entire amount of pending bills owed to contractors, a total of 177 billion shillings which remained unpaid since 2020 leading to the stalling of the construction of 6,000 kilometers of roads across Kenya,” the Deputy President said.
He added that the settlement ensures that contractors can resume work without financial constraints and that the government has mobilised adequate resources to prevent future payment delays.
“Contractors are now back on site and adequate resources have been mobilised to ensure contractors are paid promptly,” Kindiki stated, emphasising that timely funding is critical to maintaining project momentum.
The Deputy President also challenged both the Ministry of Roads and the contractors to uphold the highest quality standards and complete projects within stipulated timelines.
He warned that while the government is committed to supporting infrastructure development, adherence to quality and efficiency remains non-negotiable.
This move comes amid growing concerns over stalled road projects, which have affected transport and trade across several counties.
By clearing the backlog, the government aims to accelerate the completion of critical road networks, enhance connectivity, and stimulate economic activity.
Infrastructure stakeholders welcomed the announcement, noting that delayed payments had been a major bottleneck in Kenya’s road construction sector. With the backlog settled, contractors can now deploy resources effectively, ensuring that both ongoing and upcoming projects are executed without further interruptions.
Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure development as a pillar of economic growth, stating that sustained investment in roads, bridges, and other projects is vital for regional trade, mobility, and overall national development.
The clearing of Sh177 billion in pending bills is expected to rejuvenate the construction sector, create employment opportunities, and enhance public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on large-scale infrastructure commitments.
