Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani revealed the Kenyan government has allocated Sh310.7 billion for infrastructure development under the 2021/2022 financial year budget, emphasizing road, rail, and port projects to drive economic growth.
The funding includes Sh182 billion for road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance, with Sh94.7 billion earmarked for new road and bridge projects and Sh36.1 billion for road repairs. An additional Sh54 billion will cover road maintenance costs.
Yatani highlighted plans to address Nairobi's traffic congestion through a Sh1.3 billion investment in the Railways Metro Lines. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase Two received Sh27.2 billion, while the Mombasa Port Development and LAPSSET projects each secured Sh7.5 billion.
The budget aligns with the government's goal of expanding modern highways and rural roads nationwide, aiming to stimulate economic activity. Yatani noted Kenya's projected 6.6% growth for 2021, attributing it to a recovery from 2020's economic downturn and ongoing implementation of the Big Four Agenda.
Despite a total budget of Sh3.6 trillion, Yatani asserted public debt remains sustainable, dismissing concerns about a potential recession. The fiscal strategy, titled "Building Back Better: Strategy for Resilient and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth," focuses on infrastructure as a catalyst for long-term development.
