State has built 7,000km roads in four years, says CS Macharia

 

The Jubilee administration has built 7,000 kilometres of roads since its second term began, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has said.

He dismissed claims by Tangatanga politicians that the government performed better in its first term than it has in the second term. 

Macharia said in the first term, about 3,000km of roads were done. The government will have tarmacked 11,500km by the end of next year, he added.

In 2015, the government kickstarted an ambitious project to construct 10,000km roads to foster development.

Macharia spoke while inspecting the 84km Kenol-Sagana-Marua dual carriageway whose construction will cost Sh15 billion.

By December, one side of the dual carriageway will be completed, while the other side is expected to be completed by July next year.

“We want one side of the road to be done by Mashujaa Day to ease traffic as people attend the ceremony that will be held in Kirinyaga,” he said.

The dual carriageway will then be extended to Nanyuki and Isiolo.

The project's contractor will be required to construct a trauma hospital at the Sagana shopping centre as part of its corporate social responsibility.

About four markets will also be constructed to accommodate roadside traders who have been displaced by the expansion works.

Macharia said the government is keen to ensure all parts of the country are well connected to boost the ease of doing business. He was accompanied by MPs from the region.

He said the roads being done have upgraded the value of the property at the grassroots while making it easy for farmers to sell their farm produce and access health care.

“The president has a robust national agenda for roads development in the country to ensure his government provides high quality roads,” Macharia said.

The government is also constructing a 540km road that traverses the counties of Kiambu, Murang’a and Nyeri counties.

The Sh30 billion road is expected to boost farming in the region. It follows the route used by Mau Mau fighters in and out of the Aberdare forest.

“The Mau Mau road project is a tribute to the fighters who lost their lives fighting for the country. It connects both sides of the Aberdare forest,” Macharia said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta recently led a team of government officials to inspect projects on the Coast.

Macharia said the government has implemented infrastructure projects worth Sh3 trillion in the region in the last nine years. He cited tarmac roads in Lamu county.

Roads are also being done to connect Isiolo and Moyale, and Turkana county.

“Part of the President’s agenda is to ensure all regions are provided with infrastructure for development,” he said.

During Madaraka Day celebrations, the President again led a team to inspect projects in the Nyanza region.   BY THE STAR