Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government is planning a major dual carriageway linking key towns in Mt Kenya East, in a move expected to boost trade and transport across the region.
Kindiki said the proposed road will run from Makutano through Mwea, Embu, Chuka, Meru and Maua, following the completion of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road.
He said the project would provide a major economic boost to residents and businesses along the corridor.
Kindiki spoke on Thursday while inspecting the Sh2.5 billion Kibugua-Mukuuni-Itugururu-Kabururu-Kamaindi-Murugi Road Junction project in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.
The road is expected to improve transport and help farmers access markets for their produce.
The Deputy President said the National Infrastructure Fund would help mobilise resources for major infrastructure projects, instead of spreading government resources across short stretches of road.
“We have to stop with things of five, six kilometres, 15 kilometres, because if we continue at that speed, this country will remain behind for a long time,” Kindiki said.
He said the government wants Kenya to become a major construction site over the next 10 to 15 years, with the country targeting first-world status within two to three decades.
In Maara, Kindiki also inspected the Marima-Makutano Road, which he said would extend the completed Kathwana-Makutano road and connect it to the Thuci-Nkubu road.
He also praised young people working on the road projects, saying infrastructure development was creating employment opportunities for skilled workers and artisans.
The Deputy President, however, turned his attention to politics, challenging former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to account for his development record while in office.
Kindiki challenged Gachagua to identify the roads, water projects and electricity connections he helped secure before criticising the current administration.
He said leaders who criticise the government should place their development records on the table for Kenyans to compare with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s record.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Kindiki said the political contest would ultimately be settled on the ground, expressing confidence in the government’s ability to compete.
