Kindiki: Gov’t to spend Sh152bn on 1,656km of roads in Kiambu

By Lawrence Ongaro

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the Government has prioritised 1,656 kilometres of roads across Kiambu County at a cost of Sh152 billion, as he outlined ongoing infrastructure projects and renewed the Government’s fight against toxic alcohol.

Speaking during a public engagement rally in Mundoro Township, Gatundu South Constituency, on Tuesday, Kindiki said the Government was committed to completing roads that stalled during the Covid-19 pandemic and constructing new ones to support economic activity in the region.

He said the Government had recently resumed construction of the remaining 24-kilometre section of the Mau Mau road linking Gachika, Wangui and Mundoro to Gaitete.

“During the time of President Uhuru Kenyatta, we started the Mau Mau roads in many parts of Central Kenya. However, some sections of these roads stalled when the economy experienced difficulties because of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Kindiki said.

He said Kiambu had received priority because of its large population and its importance as a centre of business and agriculture.

“Prepare yourselves for these roads because they are going to support the economy at the grassroots. Tea and dairy farmers will be able to transport their produce to the market without it getting spoilt,” he said.

Major road projects

Kindiki also highlighted the Sh200 billion Lironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway, saying construction was ongoing and the first section between Lironi and Naivasha was expected to be completed and handed over by December.

He said the road would subsequently be extended towards Gilgil and Nakuru before reaching Mau Summit.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during his visit to KMTC Karuri to inspect development projects. Photo/Courtesy

Kindiki said the project would help reduce accidents and create opportunities for businesses, particularly in areas such as Kimende, Lari and Kijabe, where he said many people had lost their lives because of the narrow road.

He added that the Government had awarded a contract to expand the road between Muthaiga Roundabout and Kiambu Town into a dual carriageway to ease traffic congestion.

The Government is also undertaking feasibility studies for an elevated express road linking Thika Superhighway to Nairobi Museum Hill, which Kindiki said would provide an alternative route and ease pressure on Thika Road.

Beyond roads, he said the Government was constructing nearly 600 markets across the country, with 29 located in Kiambu.

In Gatundu South, he said an affordable housing project involving 900 houses was 30 per cent complete and would cost Sh2.2 billion. A modern market in Mundoro would cost Sh400 million, while hostels at Gatundu South Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution would cost Sh290 million and provide 580 beds.

Kindiki said Sh52 billion from housing funds was being invested in Kiambu in markets, affordable housing and TVET hostels.

He also announced an increase in the number of milk coolers to be distributed across the country, saying 670 additional coolers would benefit dairy farmers.

Kindiki vows to fight toxic alcohol

Kindiki urged political leaders to maintain peaceful competition ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying political contests should not divide Kenyans.

He also renewed the Government’s campaign against illicit and toxic alcohol, insisting that the crackdown was not targeting alcohol manufactured according to approved standards.

“What we are fighting is harmful alcohol that has been laced with chemicals,” he said, warning that such products were damaging the health and reproductive systems of young people.

Kindiki said the Government would pursue manufacturers, businesspeople and cartels involved in producing or distributing toxic alcohol.

He said he had convened senior security officials to discuss the issue and would hold another meeting with them.

“This fight against harmful alcohol is not a political matter. Therefore, politicians should stay out of it. This is about saving our communities and saving our people,” he said.

Kindiki compared the campaign to his previous efforts against terrorism and banditry when he served as Interior Cabinet Secretary, saying the Government would similarly confront those involved in the manufacture and sale of toxic alcohol.

He urged Members of Parliament, governors, senators and MCAs to leave enforcement to security agencies and instead focus on advocating for development projects such as roads, markets and electricity.

“The work of politicians is to advocate for citizens to get better roads, markets, electricity and other development services,” he said.