Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to road contractors in Kenya, stating that the government will no longer tolerate delays in infrastructure projects. Speaking in Nyeri County, Kindiki emphasized that the government has cleared Sh175 billion in outstanding payments to contractors, leaving no room for excuses. 'We have no business with road contractors who delay work for the people of Kenya, despite being paid by the government,' he said. The DP added that non-performing contractors would face severed ties, while those who meet deadlines would be rewarded with additional contracts.
Kindiki made the remarks during an inspection of the Gatiki-Gathugu-Mung’etho road, a 11-kilometer project managed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURRA). The road, part of a broader infrastructure push, is expected to benefit farmers in Konyu by improving access to markets for coffee and milk, key agricultural products in the region. 'We do not want a situation where dairy farmers have to pour milk because they cannot access the market due to poor roads,' Kindiki stated, underscoring the urgency of timely project completion.
The government is investing Sh45 billion to construct 775 kilometers of tarmac across six Nyeri constituencies. Kindiki highlighted that these projects are designed to stimulate rural economies and create employment for young people. 'We are focused on developing every part of the country and putting more earnings in the pockets of farmers,' he said, linking infrastructure to economic growth.
In the agricultural sector, Kindiki credited government reforms for doubling coffee farmers' earnings. By eliminating brokers, subsidizing fertilizers, and distributing improved coffee seedlings, farmers now earn between Sh100 and Sh150 per kilogram of cherry, up from Sh50 to Sh60 in 2022. The DP also pledged to stabilize milk prices for dairy farmers, further supporting rural livelihoods.
On electricity connectivity, the Last Mile Connectivity Project will provide power to 12,000 households, with Sh55 million allocated for 717 homes in Mathira constituency. Kindiki also outlined other initiatives in Nyeri, including 13 Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets, 10 affordable housing projects, and 6 student accommodation units. Health care investments include Sh1 billion for expanding the Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya and another Sh1 billion for the Nyeri County Referral Hospital.
The Deputy President urged unity in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Elections, calling for political tolerance. 'We don’t have another county to seek refuge in, so we must maintain peace,' he said, emphasizing that political differences should not undermine regional cohesion.
Residents were also encouraged to access eye care services at county facilities, following reports of a family benefiting from cataract treatment through local health programs. The article concluded with a note urging readers to log in to post comments, though this appears unrelated to the main content.
The government’s infrastructure and development initiatives reflect a broader strategy to enhance economic opportunities and improve public services. Kindiki’s remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and equitable growth across Kenya’s regions.