The government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing over 6,000 kilometres of stalled roads across the country, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced during an inspection of the Taveta-Challa-Njukini-Rombo-Illasit Road on Thursday.
Addressing residents in Challa Town, located along the key corridor connecting Taita Taveta and Kajiado Counties, the DP stated that contractors have been cleared of pending bills and instructed to accelerate construction works while maintaining high-quality standards.
“We are now focused on completing the 6,000 kilometres 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,” Kindiki said.
The DP noted that the economy has stabilized due to government interventions since 2022, paving the way for renewed focus on stalled road projects and the initiation of new ones.
According to Kindiki, the government has settled pending bills worth Sh177 billion, which has facilitated the resumption of construction activities nationwide.
The Taveta-Challa-Njukini-Rombo-Illasit Road, spanning 66 kilometres, is progressing as promised by President William Ruto during his previous visit to the region.
The DP highlighted that the road has been a long-standing need for residents, particularly farmers, who have struggled to transport produce due to poor infrastructure.
“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. This road will ensure timely delivery of produce to the market,” he said.
While stressing adherence to quality standards, Kindiki set a firm deadline for completion.
“The contractor indicated May 2027 as the completion date, but we have told him that this road should be completed by December this year. I will be here to ensure it is delivered on time and the President will come to officially open it,” he noted.
The DP also criticized opposition parties for focusing on divisive rhetoric rather than constructive solutions, asserting that the government remains committed to improving the lives of Kenyans through infrastructure projects.
Local leaders, including Taveta MP John Bwire and Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika, expressed gratitude to the government for delivering on promises that had been neglected by previous administrations.
“The residents have waited a long time for this road. They now see tangible development under President Ruto’s government, which will influence their voting decisions in the next elections,” Bwire said.
The inspection was attended by former area governor John Mruttu, former woman representative Joyce Lay, a host of MCAs, and other local leaders.
